Zack. Maybe you're right, Martha. Paul's a bigger man than me and I mustn't be selfish. But I'd begun to be hopeful, and I own this is a blow to me. I'll go out for a breath of air. Virginia. Stay where you are, Zack. Paul and Martha are going out together. Paul. That's advertising it a bit, and her in her wedding-gown and all. Virginia. It's meant to advertise it, Paul. There's your hat. Give her your arm now. Martha. Oh, Mr. Paul! (_They go up to door, arm in arm._) Virginia. And I'll tell you something, Paul. You're great at talking of the cost of things. A pleasant look costs no more than a sour one, so see what you can do. (_Exeunt Paul and Martha. Virginia closes door._) Now then, aunt, is there anything you'd like to say to Zack? Mrs. Munning. He's the cause of more trouble than he's worth, and has been since the day he was born. Zack. Yes, mother. I knew it must be all my fault some road. Virginia. I suppose that way of speaking to him is force of habit, aunt. But it's time you changed your habits now. Don't you think you'd feel better if you apologized to Zack? Mrs. Munning. Apologized! Virginia. I've a belief myself in paying debts. Mrs. Munning. I don't owe Zack for much. Virginia. Only thirty years' neglect. Zack. You mustn't talk like that to mother, Jenny. You can't expect a great soft thing like me to get same care taken of him as she took of Paul. You don't treat carthorses like you'd treat a racer. Virginia (_to Mrs. Munning, ignoring Zack_). So you've nothing to say to him? Mrs. Munning. I don't know that I have. Virginia. You're leaving quite a lot to me. Mrs. Munning. We know what's good for Zack. Some folk don't pay for kindness. Virginia. Some never get a chance. Zack's had your method long enough. We'll try mine now. Mrs. Munning. And what is yours? Virginia. Bring me some hot water and a towel, Zack. Zack. Hot water? Virginia. In a jug. Zack. Yes, Jenny. I knew there'd be hot water in it somewhere. (_Exit Zack._) Mrs. Munning. What's this for? Virginia. A clean start and a clean chin and Zack's first lesson in the art of self-respect. Mrs. Munning. Meaning you're going to swell his head. Virginia. No, aunt. Only to shave his beard. I'm going to talk to Zack and a lather-brush will be a handy thing to stop his mouth with if he tries to answer back before I've done. (_Zack re-enters with steaming jug and a towel._) Zack. It's very hot. I found the kettle on the boil. Virginia. All the better. Zack (_apprehensively_). Yes, Jenny. Mrs. Munning. And you think I'll stay here and watch you do it? Virginia. Well, aunt, I rather hoped you wouldn't. Mrs. Munning. You're taking charge of things, young lady. Virginia. I've come to the conclusion that it's time. (_Mrs. Munning meets her eye, quails and goes out._) Zack, go upstairs and bring me down the birthday present that I gave you. Zack. It's not upstairs, Jenny. Virginia. Where is it, then? I want it. Zack. I keep it in my pocket.