FRASER. Nothing. JOHN. [_Glances at_ MRS. CLOYS, _then advances closely to_ FRASER _and speaks to him, in a low voice, beside himself with anger, but betraying nothing by gesture_.] Fraser, _you_ are actually responsible for the occurrences of last night. You have never understood your unfortunate wife; but yesterday your behaviour to her was cruel, brutal. I charge you with acting towards her like a brute. FRASER. [_Looking at him immovably._] Well? JOHN. Well——! FRASER. I repeat, I have nothing to say to you, Mr. Allingham. [_After a pause_, JOHN _retreats from_ FRASER _and sits upon the settee, leaning his head upon his hands and uttering a groan_. JOHN. Fraser, I promised Mrs. Cloys, out in the garden, just now that I would make an attempt to soften matters between us, and—and—offer you some civility—and so on. I began fairly well—[FRASER _bows_]—and then the conversation took another line. However—[_rising, speaking with an effort, not looking at_ FRASER]—let me say that my house is quite at Mrs. Fraser’s disposal—[_with a gulp_]—and at yours, for as long as she honours me—as you both honour me—by remaining here. [FRASER _again bows_, JOHN _glares at him_.] As for ourselves, whenever we encounter each other I will be careful to look in an opposite direction. Perhaps you will be good enough to follow the same course. FRASER. It is one that would have suggested itself to me. JUSTINA _enters_. JUSTINA. Alec, Theo is coming in to see you. [JOHN _goes out quickly_; JUSTINA _speaks to_ MRS. CLOYS. MRS. CLOYS. [_Entering the room and addressing_ FRASER.] Theo is ready. [MRS. CLOYS _goes out as_ SIR FLETCHER _enters the room_. JUSTINA. [_To him, significantly._] _Now_, perhaps a little lunch, uncle Fletcher—— [_She goes out by the dining-room door._ SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD. [_To_ FRASER.] Of course, my sister Harriet throws cold water upon my proposal—— FRASER. Proposal——? SIR FLETCHER PORTWOOD. Arbitration. [FRASER _walks away and eyes the upper door anxiously and expectantly_.] But when did Harriet fail to throw cold water? I shall sound Allingham and get his views. After all, Harriet is not essential; Harriet is not—— [_While speaking he goes to the table, takes up the inkstand and blotting-book and carries them to the other table._ FRASER. [_To_ SIR FLETCHER.] Sir Fletcher, Theophila understands that she is to see me here alone——