Fred. (_looking at watch_). Well, he may be an upright youth, but punctuality isn't amongst his virtues. Lady M. (_standing by Chesterfield_). It's just as well. I have a disagreeable duty to perform. (_Sitting, very dignified._) Fred, (_lightly_). Hope it'll keep fine for you. Lady M. Ring the bell, Freddie. (_Freddie crosses to fireplace and rings._) Thank you. Fred. By Jove, Gladys, someone's going to catch it. Mark that awe-inspiring frown. I'm getting frit. [_Enter Timson._ Lady M. Show the young person in here, Timson. Timson. Yes, my lady. [_Exit Timson. Freddie is following with exaggerated fear._ Lady M. Don't go, Freddie. Fred. Oh, but I do hate thunderstorms when I've no umbrella. Lady M. I want to be certain you're here when Mr. Garside comes. Fred. Mayn't a man have a cigarette? I'll come back. (_Timson opens door as Freddie comes to it. Looking off Freddie sees Margaret, and stops short._) By Jove, I'll stay. Timson (_with marked disapproval_). Miss Shawcross. [_Enter Margaret dressed as Act I, with the addition of a light coat, without gloves. Lady M. and Gladys remain seated. Fred, stands right, well behind the Chesterfield. Margaret stands left, in some confusion. Exit Timson._ Mar. You... I understand you want to see me, Lady Mottram. Lady M. (_immensely superior_). Yes. Your name is Shawcross? Margaret Shawcross? Mar. Yes. Lady M. Fifteen, Rosalie Street? Mar. Yes. Lady M. Ah! (_With patronising kindliness._) I've sent for you, Miss Shawcross, to give you a warning--a friendly warning. Er--you may sit down. Mar. (_sitting stiffly, but not awkwardly, left_). Thank you. Lady M. You are an assistant-teacher at the Midland-ton Girls' High School? Mar. I am. Lady M. You're aware that I am a member of the Governing Board? Mar. Yes. Lady M. (_expansively_). In fact, I may say I have a preponderating influence. Bear that fact in mind, Miss Shaweross. (_Margaret inclines her head._) We don't enquire offensively into the conduct of our staff out of school hours. So long as they behave themselves respectably we are satisfied. Does your experience confirm that? Mar. Quite. Lady M. You've suffered no inquisition into your private life? No interference into your personal affairs? Mar. None. Lady M. (_nodding grimly_). Ah! Then you'll do us the justice to acknowledge that we don't move except in extreme cases. I regret to say yours is an extreme ease, Miss Shaweross. Mar. (_rising_). Mine! [_Freddie's attitude conveys interest plus pity, Gladys's unrelieved contempt._ Lady M. (_severely_). Yours. I don't complain of your holding heterodox views. It is a regrettable fact that many young women of to-day hold alarmingly lax opinions. But they keep their views to themselves. They confine them to their own circle. It has been left to you to proclaim publicly at street corners your loose morality, to---- Mar. You'll pardon me. I've done nothing of the sort.