LEONARD. I think I see a bit clearer than you do. As to Mary, I didn't see how I could help her. Frankly, I didn't. I knew you'd be as decent to her as anyone could. I've not a penny. I can't earn a penny. I'd have written to my mother to explain. It wouldn't have been pleasant, but less disagreeable for her than this, I think. EDGAR. How would you go away without a penny? LEONARD. Never mind. Yes. You shall know. I meant to take some of mother's housekeeping money. I know where she keeps it. EDGAR. You'd have stolen it? LEONARD. I should have written to explain--and to ask for some more. EDGAR. You're the limit. LEONARD. You're damned small-minded. Don't bother us. [_To his father._] I quite understand your point of view, sir. TIMBRELL. Oh! do you? You understand me very thoroughly, don't you? LEONARD. You see I have far more faith in your practical wisdom than in my own. I'm in a mess. You'll say I ought to stop and face the music. My point is that it does no good. And then there was that infernal wedding of Edgar's; I had to get out of that. They didn't want me any how. Oh! I know I cut a very poor figure. From your point of view. And I quite understand it, mind you. I'm very much with you now. And when I look at you, Mary, I feel rather horrible. MARY. I didn't think you'd have run away. LEONARD. No, that's bad, isn't it? EDGAR. The fellow's a Comedian. MRS. TIMBRELL. Come, Mary. TIMBRELL. Stop. Mary, would you marry him? MARY. What, sir? TIMBRELL. Would you condescend to marry him? Would you be such a fool? MARY. He wouldn't marry me. TIMBRELL. So much the worse for him, then. [_To LEONARD._] You've lived here hitherto at my expense. I turn you out. You're old enough to earn a living. Go. MRS. TIMBRELL. Edward-- TIMBRELL. My mind's made up. There's only one alternative. LEONARD. And what's that, sir? TIMBRELL. That you do reparation. That you do the honest, manly thing. It hasn't occurred to you, it seems. LEONARD. You mean?-- TIMBRELL. I can hardly advise her to do it. Mary, if you marry him I'll give him £300 a year so long as he behaves himself; if he doesn't you shan't suffer. MRS. TIMBRELL. Edward. Don't be hasty, don't decide too quickly. I'm thinking of you, Mary, as well as of him. MARY. I knew you'd be kind to me, ma'am. MRS. TIMBRELL. Edward, I pray that we may do right. TIMBRELL. Come, sir. You had better go down on your knees and woo your bride. MRS. TIMBRELL. Oh! Edward; don't speak like that. TIMBRELL. He's not worthy of consideration. MRS. TIMBRELL. I was thinking of her. TIMBRELL. [_To LEONARD._] What's your answer? LEONARD. Mother, will you take Mary away and I will talk to my father. TIMBRELL. You will talk now and in Mary's presence. LEONARD. You care nothing about her. It's simply that you're vexed with me. If you were doing it for her I could have some respect for you. TIMBRELL. Your answer to my proposal. LEONARD. What's Edgar doing here? Surely we can do without him.