KNOX. Now, dont take on like that, Amelia. You know I always give in to you that you were right about religion. But one of us had to think of other things, or we'd have starved, we and the child. MRS KNOX. How do you know youd have starved? All the other things might have been added unto you. GILBEY. Come, Mrs Knox, dont tell me Knox is a sinner. I know better. I'm sure youd be the first to be sorry if anything was to happen to him. KNOX. [bitterly to his wife] Youve always had some grudge against me; and nobody but yourself can understand what it is. MRS KNOX. I wanted a man who had that happiness within himself. You made me think you had it; but it was nothing but being in love with me. MRS GILBEY. And do you blame him for that? MRS KNOX. I blame nobody. But let him not think he can walk by his own light. I tell him that if he gives up being respectable he'll go right down to the bottom of the hill. He has no powers inside himself to keep him steady; so let him cling to the powers outside him. KNOX. [rising angrily] Who wants to give up being respectable? All this for a pint of whisky that lasted a week! How long would it have lasted Simmons, I wonder? MRS KNOX. [gently] Oh, well, say no more, Jo. I wont plague you about it. [He sits down]. You never did understand; and you never will. Hardly anybody understands: even Margaret didnt til she went to prison. She does now; and I shall have a companion in the house after all these lonely years. KNOX. [beginning to cry] I did all I could to make you happy. I never said a harsh word to you. GILBEY. [rising indignantly] What right have you to treat a man like that? an honest respectable husband? as if he were dirt under your feet? KNOX. Let her alone, Gilbey. [Gilbey sits down, but mutinously]. MRS KNOX. Well, you gave me all you could, Jo; and if it wasnt what I wanted, that wasnt your fault. But I'd rather have you as you were than since you took to whisky and soda. KNOX. I dont want any whisky and soda. I'll take the pledge if you like. MRS KNOX. No: you shall have your beer because you like it. The whisky was only brag. And if you and me are to remain friends, Mr Gilbey, youll get up to-morrow morning at seven. GILBEY. [defiantly] Damme if I will! There! MRS KNOX. [with gentle pity] How do you know, Mr Gilbey, what youll do to-morrow morning? GILBEY. Why shouldnt I know? Are we children not to be let do what we like, and our own sons and daughters kicking their heels all over the place? [To Knox] I was never one to interfere between man and wife, Knox; but if Maria started ordering me about like that-- MRS GILBEY. Now dont be naughty, Rob. You know you mustnt set yourself up against religion? GILBEY. Whos setting himself up against religion? MRS KNOX. It doesnt matter whether you set yourself up against it or not, Mr. Gilbey. If it sets itself up against you, youll have to go the appointed way: it's no use quarrelling about it with me that am as great a sinner as yourself.