MRS WHITEFIELD. Why, of course I do. What queer things you say, Jack! We can't help loving our own blood relations. TANNER. Well, perhaps it saves unpleasantness to say so. But for my part, I suspect that the tables of consanguinity have a natural basis in a natural repugnance [he rises]. MRS WHITEFIELD. You shouldn't say things like that, Jack. I hope you won't tell Ann that I have been speaking to you. I only wanted to set myself right with you and Tavy. I couldn't sit mumchance and have everything put on me. TANNER. [politely] Quite so. MRS WHITEFIELD. [dissatisfied] And now I've only made matters worse. Tavy's angry with me because I don't worship Ann. And when it's been put into my head that Ann ought to marry you, what can I say except that it would serve her right? TANNER. Thank you. MRS WHITEFIELD. Now don't be silly and twist what I say into something I don't mean. I ought to have fair play-- Ann comes from the villa, followed presently by Violet, who is dressed for driving. ANN. [coming to her mother's right hand with threatening suavity] Well, mamma darling, you seem to be having a delightful chat with Jack. We can hear you all over the place. MRS WHITEFIELD. [appalled] Have you overheard-- TANNER. Never fear: Ann is only--well, we were discussing that habit of hers just now. She hasn't heard a word. MRS WHITEFIELD. [stoutly] I don't care whether she has or not: I have a right to say what I please. VIOLET. [arriving on the lawn and coming between Mrs Whitefield and Tanner] I've come to say goodbye. I'm off for my honeymoon. MRS WHITEFIELD. [crying] Oh don't say that, Violet. And no wedding, no breakfast, no clothes, nor anything. VIOLET. [petting her] It won't be for long. MRS WHITEFIELD. Don't let him take you to America. Promise me that you won't. VIOLET. [very decidedly] I should think not, indeed. Don't cry, dear: I'm only going to the hotel. MRS WHITEFIELD. But going in that dress, with your luggage, makes one realize--[she chokes, and then breaks out again] How I wish you were my daughter, Violet! VIOLET. [soothing her] There, there: so I am. Ann will be jealous. MRS WHITEFIELD. Ann doesn't care a bit for me. ANN. Fie, mother! Come, now: you mustn't cry any more: you know Violet doesn't like it [Mrs Whitefield dries her eyes, and subsides]. VIOLET. Goodbye, Jack. TANNER. Goodbye, Violet. VIOLET. The sooner you get married too, the better. You will be much less misunderstood. TANNER. [restively] I quite expect to get married in the course of the afternoon. You all seem to have set your minds on it. VIOLET. You might do worse. [To Mrs Whitefield: putting her arm round her] Let me take you to the hotel with me: the drive will do you good. Come in and get a wrap. [She takes her towards the villa].