Ste. (_looking at her_). Well? Lucy (_turning from one to the other_). You want me. I'm here. What do you want me for? Bamford (_l._). For better or for worse. (_Giggling genially._) Lucy (_freezing_). I don't understand you. Ste. (_roughly_). Don't play stupid now. You understand him well enough. Lucy. But---- (_Looking appealingly at Stephen._) Ste. Here's your chance, my girl. Here's your answer to the other fellow. Lucy. I have given him my answer. Ste. Well, you can give, Mr.. Bamford his and say yes. He's got money. Bamford (_eagerly_). Yes, I've got money and I spend it. I'll give you the time of your life. Lucy. Don't spoil this evening for me, Mr. Bamford. You've made me so happy, so grateful to you all for letting me help in your charity. I only knew to-night how rich I am. It frightened me--the thought of so much money. I was afraid of it... of my unworthiness. Until you showed me the way to use it well. I was proud that I... and now... father, this isn't fair of you. Ste. What isn't fair? Lucy. Why didn't you tell Mr. Bamford? (_To Bamford._) I'm engaged. Ste. (_r.c._). Don't lie. You're not. Lucy (_bravely_). I choose to consider myself engaged. Ste. He's a pauper. Look here, my girl, you're rebellious to-night. I'm master here. I'm not the sort of fool to let you twist me round your little finger. Don't think because you're twenty-one and got a thousand a year (_the sum moves Bamford visibly_) that you'll ride rough-shod over me. (_More gently._) You've got to be sensible. (_Smacks table._) You've got to do what I tell you. Bamford. You shall have your carriage and dress yourself as much as you like; and what's more, marry me and you'll be. Mayoress of Carrington in November. Ste. Wait a minute, Bamford, not so fast. Bamford. What's the matter? Ste. (_crossing l._). Engaged, if you like, but no wedding till the Polygon deal's complete. The profits on that are mine. Bamford. Of course they are. I'll hand over your share when we've sold to the town. Lucy. Sold! Profit! I thought---- Ste. Never mind what you thought. (_Goes up to Lucy._) That wasn't meant for your ears. You'd better go back to the other room now. I'll talk to you after Mr. Bamford's gone. (_Indicating her to exit._) Lucy. I hope. Mr. Bamford will remember I'm engaged. Ste. He'll remember you're going to be--to him. (_Crosses down r. above, table._) Lucy. Father, I've obeyed you long enough. I'm twenty-one now, and I'm going to take my own way. Bamford (_doubtfully_). I don't like the look of this, Verity. Ste. Look of what? Bamford. She's a bit of a Tartar, isn't she? Lucy. That's nothing to what I can do when I'm roused, Mr. Bamford. Ste. Pssh! It's the first time she's broken out like this. She'll be tame enough next time you come. Lucy (_viciously_). Don't make too sure of that. Ste. I'm not afraid of that. It's a pity if a man can't do as he likes with his own flesh and blood.