Lady M. I'm grievously misinformed if you're not a self-confessed Socialist. Mar. You spoke of loose morality. Lady M. (_curtly_). Same thing. Do you admit to publicly advocating Socialism? Mar. Certainly. You publicly advocate Tariff Reform. Why shouldn't I advocate Socialism? Lady M. The cases are hardly parallel. The one is respectable, the other isn't. However, you're not here to argue with me. You have to earn your living. An orphan, I understand. Mar. Yes. Lady M. You've the more reason to walk warily. (_Kindly._) Now, you're young, and you're ignorant, and I'm ready to overlook this. I could have you dismissed at once, but I've no doubt you'll be a good girl after this little talk. Good night, Miss Shawcross. Mar. Good night, Lady Mottram. (_She moves towards door. Freddie opens it, she turns back._) No, I won't go like this. You'd have the right to tell me I deceived you. (_Freddie closes door and stands centre._) I can't take your warning, Lady Mottram. (_Lady M. rises._) I dare say it's kindly meant. I thank you for that. But as for stopping speaking, working heart and soul for the cause that's all in all to me, I can't do that. Lady M. Can't? Won't, you mean. This is defiance, Miss Shawcross. You'd better take care. Mar. (_splendidly contemptuous_). Care! Life isn't all taking care. Lady M. (_calmly_). It's really very rash of you. Your livelihood's at stake. I say nothing about your immortal soul, which is endangered if it's not already lost. Mar. Suppose you leave my soul out, Lady Mottram. My employment _is_ in your hands. You have the power to take that from me. Lady M. Persist in your defiance and I shall be compelled to exercise that power. Fred, (_to Mar._). Speaking from long and intimate acquaintance with my mother, I should just like to interpolate the remark that she invariably means what she says. Mar. (_coldly_). Thank you. I haven't worked for Socialism without knowing the risks I took. There's nothing unusual in this. Since Socialism's been the bogey of the employing class, dismissal for Socialists is an everyday occurrence. Lady M. (_mildly angered_). This is too much. To associate _me_ with cowardly employers who abuse their power, when my only object is to secure respectability in our teaching staff. Mar. Oh, they all do it for excellent motives. How long have I, Lady Mottram? Lady M. Till Miss Allinson can replace you. Mar. Till then I can go on contaminating my pupils! However, to replace me won't take an hour. Unemployed teachers aren't scarce. Lady M. (_viciously_). You are dismissed for gross misconduct, and the fact will be stated on any reference you ask for. Fred. I say, mater, that's a bit rough. (_Margaret turns to door. Freddie stands intercepting her._) Give the girl a chance. Lady M. Mind your own business, Freddie. Fred. Hang it, how do you know she won't starve? Lady M. Her sort don't starve. Glad. She's wearing an engagement ring. Someone's ready to keep her.