Elsie. The athletic world certainly will. It's all very well for you to joke. Your arm's not hurt. It's all a gain to you. If Blackton don't win with only ten men against them, they deserve shooting. This accident means a lot. Austin. I know what it means--better than you do. (_Looking at Jack._) Jack (_jerking his head up_). What's that? Austin. As you tactfully remarked, Metherell, accidents will happen. Jack (_rising_). Don't you believe it was an accident? Elsie. What else could it be? Do you think he broke his arm for fun? Jack (_straight at Austin_). It was an accident. Austin. No, my lad. It was a bargain. Jack. I made no bargain. Austin (_sneering_). But you broke your arm. Jack. By accident. Austin. A singularly opportune coincidence. Elsie. Father, what do you mean? Austin. You'd better ask Metherell that. Elsie (_in puzzled appeal_). Jack! Jack. I'll say nothing. Elsie. Then what am I to think? Jack. Think what you like. Elsie. I think you're a sportsman, Jack, and---- Austin. I've known a sportsman do a bigger thing than break his arm for a woman. Elsie (_suspiciously_). A woman! What woman? Austin. You, my dear. And, as you said, Blackton are safe to win now. (_Wells, entering with Jack's clothes and boots, overhears Austin._) Wells. I'm not so sure of that, Mr. Whitworth. It's anybody's game. The score's one all. Austin (_startled_). Birchester have scored! Wells. Yes. Didn't you know? I'll look after Metherell. You're missing a good game. Elsie. Then you'd better go and watch it, Dr. Wells. Wells (_slightly surprised_). I will when I've helped Metherell to change. Jack. I'm in no hurry. Don't put yourself about for me. Half time _'_ull do. Wells. Well, it can't be far off that now. (_Putting Jack's clothes over chair._) I should like to see something of this match. Is the arm painful? Jack. It's sharpish. Wells (_by desk_). Pull yourself together with a dose of this. (_Lifting whisky bottle._) Jack. No, thanks. I'm a teetotaller. (_Austin is lighting a cigar._) Wells (_authoritatively_). And I'm a doctor, man. Jack. That doesn't help my principles. Wells. Oh, all right. If you like to be stubborn. Are you coming, Mr. Whitworth? (_Crossing to door._) Elsie. Yes. Do go, father. They'll be expecting to see you outside. Austin (_grim_). Yes--I'm going--to show them I can smile. Come along, Doctor. (_Exeunt Wells and Austin._) Elsie. Now, Jack. What's this all about? Jack. Your father's making a mistake. Elsie. About what? Jack (_exasperated_). It's a confidential matter, Elsie. Elsie. That means there's something you're afraid to tell me. Jack. I'm not afraid. He spoke to me in private, and it's giving him away. Elsie. You can't give him away to me. I've lived at home too long for that. Jack. I can't abuse his confidence. Elsie. Are you going to talk about your conscience again? Father said you broke your arm for my sake and I want to know what it means.