You should have told us that and saved argument. FANNY I wanted you—all of you—to _make_ argument—good argument—so that he would see it was for the best and not sulk and grieve afterwards. (_Angrily_) Mother promised she would not interfere. MRS. FELIX It was thinking of poor Harry did it. FANNY Please do not refer to father again—now that you’ve shattered all my ideals about him— MRS. FELIX Ideals! Fanny, Fanny! MAGNUS (_to Mrs. Felix_) If the boy accepted so readily, I think perhaps, Loo, it would be an injustice to cancel that first offer— FANNY (_earnestly_) Mr. Magnus—please—don’t— MAGNUS I suppose Tromper—my good faithful beef-eating Tromper—will spread the report that I’m losing my mind if I do— MRS. FELIX Great men shouldn’t care, John. The mob _always_ think greatness is madness. FANNY (_impatiently_) Mother— MRS. FELIX I only wish there was some one to save the poor boy from you, Fanny—I do, indeed! [_A ring is heard at the door and Vanillity goes to open it. Noel Onfroy enters. He has pointed beard, twirling moustache, pointed hands, hair cut en brosse; wears black velvet jacket, rich red tie, riding trouserss with white Bedford cords, black patent-leather boots; bare-headed; he is smoking a pipe._ MAGNUS I intended running in on you in a moment, my boy— ONFROY (_nodding to all_) Where is the Chub? (_Nods toward laboratory_) Elixir-of-lifing? (_With real pleasure_) How are you, Charlotte Corday? (_Shakes Mrs. Felix’s hand_) Where do you buy those pink cheeks? I couldn’t paint better ones myself. MRS. FELIX These aren’t painted—they’re anger. ONFROY With Clarissa Henbane, as usual? FANNY Please don’t take liberties, Mr. Onfroy. ONFROY When I take liberties with you, Lydia Languish, I condescend. (_Pointedly turning his back_) Anger? MAGNUS (_chuckling_) And women love him for it; they love him, the coxcomb! They used to pay him five thousand dollars, less for their portraits than for the slangings he gave them—(_this while Mrs. Felix explains to Onfroy in undertone_) FANNY (_pale with rage_) Mr. Magnus, please don’t include me in your generalities—I am not like other girls— [_Mrs. Felix finishes explaining._ ONFROY (_turning_) That one remark proves you are, dear Lady Disdain. It is one of the ninety-and-nine banalities that make up what the average young woman calls her opinions. Another is the following remark addressed to men who are sane about women: “Ah, wait until you meet the right one!” MAGNUS (_still chuckling_) They love it—love it! Fanny pretends not to; but that’s because she knows he’s married and she can’t get him. If the boy in there treated you as this coxcomb does my daughter, you wouldn’t mind living on _nothing_ a year in the Sahara Desert. FANNY Mr. Magnus— MAGNUS