Mrs. Metherell (_turning on Elsie_). And you've been turning my house upside down upstairs. A lot of need you have to talk, my girl. You've been in here ten minutes with a famished man and not so much as lifted a hand to put out his food. I told you where it was. Elsie. I'm sorry. (_Going in terrified alacrity to cupboard, and finding plate of cold steak pie, which she puts on table._) Mrs. Metherell (_with rough kindness_). Sit you down, Jack. (_Lifts teapot to table and pours._) Elsie. Oh, that tea's been made so long. Jack. I like it black. Elsie. I'm sure Jack ought to have---- Mrs. Metherell. Jack _'_ull have what I provide for him, and be thankful he's got it. (_Elsie fusses over Jack's plate, cutting up small._) Elsie (_to Jack_). You'll be having late dinners in a month. (_Mrs. Metherell is returning teapot to hob._) Jack. She'll never let us. Mrs. Metherell (_returning_). I'll do that. (_Elsie moves away._) If he's to be spoon-fed, I'll feed him. Elsie (_timidly_). I was doing it to help you, Mrs. Metherell. Mrs. Metherell. You were doing it to show how fond you are. What's this I hear about you, Jack? Jack (_his mouth full_). Well, she's told you. Mrs. Metherell. Hadn't you a tongue in your own mouth? Jack. I'd have told you to-night. Mrs. Metherell. Going courting behind my back. Jack. You will have your grumble, mother. Mrs. Metiierell. I'd do more than grumble if you hadn't gone and hurt yourself. You might have done it on purpose just to get on the soft side of me. Elsie. Is this your soft side, Mrs. Metiierell? Mrs. Metiierell. Yes. Company manners. I'm keeping what I have to say to Jack till you've gone. Elsie. Jack's ill. You're not to bully him. Mrs. Metherell. Is he your son or mine? Because if he's mine I'll not ask your leave to say what I like to him. I'm mistress here. Else. Yes, but, Mrs. Metherell---- Mrs. Metiierell. That'll do from you. I've had enough of your back answers. You talk too much. (_Knock at door. Mrs. Metherell, eyeing Elsie as she goes, opens door. Austin is outside._) Austin. Mrs. Metherell? Mrs. Metherell. Yes. Elsie (_coming forward on hearing the voice_). Father! Austin. You here, Elsie! (_Entering--to Mrs. Metherell._) Thank you. (_Mrs. Metherell closes door grimly._) Well, Metherell, I've come to see how you are. Jack (_rising_). I wasn't carried off the field, but it isn't you I have to thank for it. Austin (_sincerely_). No. It's your own magnificent skill. I never saw such play. Mrs. Metiierell (_coming between them_). You'll excuse me, but I don't allow that kind of talk in here. Austin (_surprised_). But I was praising your son, Mrs. Metherell. Mrs. Metherell. He's buttered up too much outside. In here he get's his makeweight of the other thing. Jack. There's no more praise for me in this town, mother. I'm not popular. They've lost a lot of money on this match. Mrs. Metherell. Was that your fault?