[DAWKER has drawn the STRANGER a step or two away, and they talk together.] MRS. H. [In a low voice] And the ruin of our home? You're betraying your fathers, Jack. HILLCRIST. I can't bear bringing a woman into it. MRS. H. We don't. If anyone brings her in; it will be Hornblower himself. HILLCRIST. We use her secret as a lever. MRS. H. I tell you quite plainly: I will only consent to holding my tongue about her, if you agree to Hornblower being told. It's a scandal to have a woman like that in the neighbourhood. JILL. Mother means that, father. HILLCRIST. Jill, keep quiet. This is a very bitter position. I can't tell what to do. MRS. H. You must use this knowledge. You owe it to me--to us all. You'll see that when you've thought it over. JILL. [Softly] Pitch, Dodo, pitch! MRS. H. [Furiously] Jill, be quiet! HILLCRIST. I was brought up never to hurt a woman. I can't do it, Amy--I can't do it. I should never feel like a gentleman again. MRS. H. [Coldly] Oh! Very well. HILLCRIST. What d'you mean by that? MRS. H. I shall use the knowledge in my own way. HILLCRIST. [Staring at her] You would--against my wishes? MRS. H. I consider it my duty. HILLCRIST. If I agree to Hornblower being told---- MRS. H. That's all I want. HILLCRIST. It's the utmost I'll consent to, Amy; and don't let's have any humbug about its being, morally necessary. We do it to save our skins. MRS. H. I don't know what you mean by humbug? JILL. He means humbug; mother. HILLCRIST. It must stop at old Hornblower. Do you quite understand? MRS. H. Quite. JILL. Will it stop? MRS. H. Jill, if you can't keep your impertinence to yourself---- HILLCRIST. Jill, come with me. [He turns towards door, Back.] JILL. I'm sorry, mother. Only it is a skin game, isn't it? MRS. H. You pride yourself on plain speech, Jill. I pride myself on plain thought. You will thank me afterwards that I can see realities. I know we are better people than these Hornblowers. Here we are going to stay, and they--are not. JILL. [Looking at her with a sort of unwilling admiration] Mother, you're wonderful! HILLCRIST. Jill! JILL. Coming, Dodo. [She turns and runs to the door. They go out.] [MRS. HILLCRIST, with a long sigh, draws herself up, fine and proud.] MRS. H. Dawker! [He comes to her.] [I shall send him a note to-night, and word it so that he will be bound to come and see us to-marrow morning. Will you be in the study just before eleven o'clock, with this gentleman?] DAWKER. [Nodding] We're going to wire for his partner. I'll bring him too. Can't make too sure. [She goes firmly up the steps and out.]