Oh, I knew you’d blame me. And I suppose you’ll blame me because a confounded earthquake smashed up one of our railways. LADY FRANCIS. And how d’you propose to raise fifteen thousand pounds? ETCHINGHAM. That’s just it. It would be devilish awkward. And George is in a confounded tight place too. LADY FRANCIS. You’d better talk to Kate. I’ll send for her. [_She touches a bell, and gives her order down a speaking tube._ LADY FRANCIS. Ask Mrs. Winter to be good enough to come to the drawing room. ETCHINGHAM. You must talk to her seriously, Angela. You must tell her that her behaviour is outrageous. LADY FRANCIS. [_With a chuckle._] No, my dear. You are going to talk to her. [CATHERINE WINTER _comes in. She is a graceful woman, with a strong, passionate face; and her expression, rather tired but self-contained and resolute, suggests that she has endured great trouble and is now making a desperate effort to escape. She is very simply dressed and wears no jewellery but her wedding ring._ CATHERINE. Good-morning, father. [_She goes up to_ LORD FRANCIS _and kisses his cheek_. ETCHINGHAM. [_With elaborate politeness._] Be so good as to sit down, Catherine. [CATHERINE _exchanges with her mother a glance of faint amusement and takes a seat_. ETCHINGHAM. [_With a fine assumption of paternal authority._] I want to talk to you. Your mother and I have sent for you.... [_Breaking out._] Now what does all this mean? It’s ridiculous nonsense. You’re surely old enough to have learnt a little self-control. CATHERINE. [_Calmly._] I’ve shown a good deal of self-control during the four years of my married life, father. I was afraid it was growing into a habit. ETCHINGHAM. Am I to understand that what your mother tells me is true? CATHERINE. [_Quietly._] I lived with George as long as I could. I put up with more than any woman I know would have done. But there are some things no one should suffer who has any self-respect. ETCHINGHAM. You’ve never complained before of George’s behaviour. CATHERINE. No. ETCHINGHAM. Why have you never said a word to your mother about it? I can’t imagine why you shouldn’t get on with George. I don’t suppose you’ve ever expressed a whim that he hasn’t gratified. Your allowance is princely. Your pearls are the envy of every woman in London. CATHERINE. Oh, yes, he’s generous. My pearls have been a splendid advertisement. ETCHINGHAM. [_Ignoring the second sentence and pouncing on the admission._] Then what have you got to complain of? CATHERINE. I dare say my mother knows what half London is chattering about. ETCHINGHAM. Well, Angela? LADY FRANCIS. Oh, my dear, I hoped it was idle gossip. A man as much in the public eye as George Winter--the most prominent financier of the moment--is certain to be talked about. ETCHINGHAM. I suppose he’s been flirting with two or three pretty women. LADY FRANCIS.