Jack. I played for Birchester. The bets were made on Blackton before they knew I was transferred. Mrs. Metherell (_indignantly_). They're blaming _you_ for that? Austin. Fair weather sportsmen! Jack. There's no denying I won the match for Birchester. Mrs. Metherell (_indignantly_). Whose fault was it you played for Birchester? Yours? No. There stands the man you have to thank for that. Austin (_taken aback_). Really, Mrs. Metherell, I was hardly prepared---- Mrs. Metherell (_accusingly_). You've made my Jack unpopular. That's what you've done. (_Looking at Jack proudly, while he expresses blank astonishment._) There never was a favourite like Jack. Not a man in the whole of Blackton but looked up to Jack, nor a woman but envied me my son. Jack. But, mother, I didn't know you cared. You've always---- Mrs. Metherell. You didn't know I cared! Because I haven't gone and shouted with the others round the field, because I haven't dinned it in your ears and did my level best to stop them spoiling you, do you think I took no pride in knowing you're the idol of the town? I'll show you if I care. Out of that door, Mr. Whitworth. Out of that door, I say. You've brought trouble on this house. Austin. Really, this is very embarrassing. Mrs. Metherell. I'll embarrass you. You've made my Jack unpopular. What do you want here? Your daughter? Take her and go. Austin. What I wanted was a little private conversation with your son, Mrs Metherell. Mrs. Metiierell. You've finished with my son. You're not his master now. Austin. No. But as a friend, I hoped---- Mrs. Metherell. And you're not his friend. Austin. I can't make things clear if you won't let me, Mrs. Metherell. Mrs. Metherell. They're clear enough. Austin (_desperately_). Metherell, will you do me the favour of stepping outside with me for three minutes' business conversation? Mrs. Metherell (_scoffing_). Business! Elsie. You have no business now with Jack that doesn't include me. If Jack goes, I go. Austin. This includes you. Mrs. Metherell. Jack doesn't go. Jack stays where he is. Austin (_trying to be dignified_). Do you know who I am? Mrs. Metherell. You're the man who's flitting me to Birchester. Turning me out of my house, me that's lived in Blackton all my life, to go to a strange town and buy in strange shops where'll they rob me, and live beside strangers instead of here where everybody knew me for the mother of Jack Metherell. Elsie. But from what Jack says, Mrs. Metherell, Black-ton won't be very pleasant for you now. Mrs. Metherell (_hotly_). Who's made it so? Austin. Mrs. Metherell, can't we be friends? I've always been on friendly terms in Club affairs with Jack, until to-day. Mrs. Metherell. A lot can happen in a day. Austin. Yes. To-day the club has died. Elsie. Died!