My dear Basil, you talk of pity, and you talk of duty, but are you sure there's anything more in it than vanity? You've set yourself up on a sort of moral pinnacle. Are you sure you don't admire your own heroism a little too much? BASIL. [_With a good-natured smile._] Does it look so petty as that in your eyes? After all, it's only common morality. JOHN. [_Impatiently._] But, my dear chap, its absurd to act according to an unrealisable ideal in a world that's satisfied with the second-rate. You're tendering bank-notes to African savages, among whom cowrie shells are common coin. BASIL. [_Smiling._] I don't know what you mean. JOHN. Society has made its own decalogue, a code that's just fit for middling people who are not very good and not very wicked. But Society punishes you equally if your actions are higher than its ideal or lower. BASIL. Sometimes it makes a god of you when you're dead. JOHN. But it takes precious good care to crucify you when you're alive. [_There is a knock at the door, and_ MRS. GRIGGS _comes in._ MRS. GRIGGS. Some more visitors, Sir. BASIL. Show 'em in. [_To_ JOHN] It's Jenny. She said she was coming to tea. JOHN. [_With a smile._] Oh, the cake was for her, was it? Would you like me to go? BASIL. Not unless you choose. Do you suppose I'm ashamed? JOHN. I thought, after all you've told me, you might not care for me to see her. [JENNY BUSH _and her brother_ JAMES _come in. She is very pretty, with delicate features and a beautiful complexion: her fair hair is abundant and very elaborately arranged. She is dressed smartly, rather showily. It is the usual type of barmaid, or tea-girl, a shade more refined perhaps than the common run. Her manners are unobjectionable, but not those of a gentlewoman._ JAMES _is a young man with clean-shaven face and a sharp expression. He is over-dressed in a very horsey manner, and is distinctly more vulgar than his sister. He talks English with a cockney accent, not invariably dropping his aitches, but only now and then. He is over cordial and over genial._ JENNY. [_Going up to_ BASIL.] I'm awfully late, I couldn't come before. JAMES. [_Jocosely._] Don't mind me. Give 'im a kiss, old tart. JENNY. Oh, I brought my brother Jimmie to see you. BASIL. [_Shaking hands._] How d'you do? JAMES. Nicely, thanks. Pleased to make your acquaintance. JENNY. [_Looking at_ JOHN _and suddenly recognising him._] Well, I never! If that isn't old John Halliwell. I didn't expect to see you. This is a treat. JOHN. How d'you do? JENNY. What are you doing here? JOHN. I've been having a cup of tea with Basil. JENNY. [_Looking at the tea-things._] D'you always drink out of three cups at once? JOHN. My wife has been here--and her sister. JENNY. Oh, I see. Fancy your being married. How d'you like it? JOHN. All right, thanks. [BASIL _pours out a cup of tea, and during the following speeches gives_ JENNY _milk and sugar and cake._ JAMES.