MR. FREEMAN: I’ve had enough. That’s what it amounts to. And my foot’s coming down--pretty hard. (_He goes to speaking-tube again._) Hullo.... I want to see you; when you’ve had your tea; ... you’re not going out? very well; when you’ve had your tea. (_He replaces the tube._) I think I _will_ just look round and see Frankie; and the old man, if he’s in; shan’t stay; because I’m coming back to talk to John ... a fine old rumpus; that’s what there’s going to be; back almost directly. [_He goes out. Alone, MRS. FREEMAN sews a few stitches; then rises, presses a bell, and returns to her sewing.... ROSIE enters._ MRS. FREEMAN: Make a fresh pot of tea for Mr. John. [_ROSIE fetches the teapot from the tray, and is retiring with it. At the door, she is stopped by MRS. FREEMAN’S voice._ Rosie!... Is anything the matter? ROSIE: No’m. [_She goes out. Alone, MRS. FREEMAN sews.... GWEN comes in._ GWEN: Is he having tea upstairs? MRS. FREEMAN: No. GWEN: Oh, it’s Thursday. MRS. FREEMAN: Did you have a nice lunch? GWEN: Yes. MRS. FREEMAN: Was it with Mr. ... Mr. ... John’s friend? GWEN: He’s got a good many friends. MRS. FREEMAN: Yes; but you know the one I mean--his special one. GWEN: I lunched with Colin Mackenzie. MRS. FREEMAN: Oh yes; that’s it: Mackenzie. I never can remember. It’s such a difficult name. Nothing to get hold of. If it was Mackintosh ... rain or toffee; _Mackenzie_ ... Mackenzie ... he seems a very nice man. GWEN: Not bad. MRS. FREEMAN (_rising_): I’ve ordered some fresh tea. I’m going into the drawing-room. (_At the door._) You’ll be in to dinner to-night? GWEN: Yes. MRS. FREEMAN: You won’t be going out at all? GWEN: No. MRS. FREEMAN: I’m glad. [_She goes.... GWEN crosses to the speaking-tube, and blows into it; she gets no answer; while she is doing this, ROSIE returns with the teapot. As she puts it down, she gives a sudden little sob._ GWEN (_gently; but without surprise_): Don’t cry. ROSIE: I can’t ’elp it. GWEN: Would you mind if I told Mr. John? ROSIE: If you wants to. [_JOHN comes in._ JOHN: Hullo, Gwen.... Have they had their tea, Rosie? [_ROSIE, being unable to answer, nods, and then sobs. JOHN looks enquiringly from her to GWEN._ ROSIE: Go on. Tell ’im. GWEN: Rosie’s going to have a baby. ROSIE (_utterly pitiful_): It’s about finished me. GWEN (_to her brother_): We can help, can’t we? JOHN: Of course. ROSIE (_with sudden unexpected vigour; turning on him_): It’s all very well for _you_! JOHN (_taken aback_): Rosie! ROSIE: Standin’ there _talkin’_! JOHN: But, Rosie. ROSIE: It’s all _your_ fault, anyhow! JOHN: _My_ fault! ROSIE: Yes. JOHN: _Mine?_ ROSIE: Yes, yours. GWEN: Oh, John! JOHN: Rosie, what _do_ you mean? ROSIE: I’d never of done it, if it ’adn’t been for _you_. I’ve _’eard_ yer. _Talkin’!_... “What ’arm is there in it?” “Why shouldn’t a girl ’ave a good time?” Next time you tell her that, you tell ’er what’ll ’appen to ’er.