MRS. WESTERN. We gain nothing by abusing each other. And I didn't interrupt _you._ Let's look facts in the face. Here we are, we two--tied. HARVEY. [_With a groan._] Yes. MRS. WESTERN. With our two children. If it weren't for them.... Well, we've _got_ to remain together. Now there's this girl. It's quite evident, after what you've said, that she can't stop here-- HARVEY. [_Jumping to his feet._] She shall! MRS. WESTERN. [_Fretfully._] Oh, do be a man, and drop this mawkish sentiment! You say she's fond of you--you've _made_ her fond of you. Was this a very pretty thing--for a man of your age to do? HARVEY. [_Sullenly, as he drops back into his chair._] Never mind my age. MRS. WESTERN. Very well then--for a married man? HARVEY. An unhappy man. MRS. WESTERN. Even granting that--though if you're unhappy it's your own fault--I've always been urging you to go on the County Council--What's to become of the girl, if she stops here? HARVEY. [_Desperately._] I don't know--but I can't let her go--I tell you I can't! MRS. WESTERN. [_Scarcely able to conceal her disgust._] Oh, if you knew how painful it is to hear you whining like this! It's pitiable, really! In the girl's own interest--how can she stop? HARVEY. She must. I can't let her be turned out. It would break her heart. MRS. WESTERN. [_Turning right round, and staring at him._] What? HARVEY. [_Doggedly._] Yes--it would. She's very fond of me, that's the truth. I know that I've been to blame--but it's too late for that now. She's romantic, of course--what you'd call sentimental. I dare say I've played on her feelings--she saw I was lonely. She has a side that you've never suspected--a tender, sensitive side--she has ideals.... Well, do you realise what it would mean, with a girl like that? No one knows her as I do. I'm quite startled sometimes, to find how fond she is of me. Oh, have some sympathy! It's difficult, I know--it's terribly difficult. But she loves me--that's the truth--and a young girl's love--why, she might throw herself into the river! Oh yes, you smile--but she might! What do _you_ know of life, with your Blue-books? Anyhow, I daren't risk it. By-and-by--there's no hurry, is there? And I put it to you--be merciful! You're not the ordinary woman--you have a brain--you're not conventional. Don't act like the others. Don't drive this girl out of the house. It would end in tragedy. Believe it! MRS. WESTERN. You can't really expect me to keep a girl here, as governess to my children, who, as you say, is in love with you. HARVEY. [_Pleading._] I expect you--I'm asking you--to help her--and me. MRS. WESTERN. [_Shaking her head._] That's too much. We won't turn her out to-night--I'll give her a reference, and all that-- HARVEY. [_Springing to his feet again._] Alice, I can't let her go! MRS. WESTERN. [_Conciliatorily._] Ask Tom, ask any one-- HARVEY. [_More and more passionately._] I tell you, I can't let her go!