Austin. Yes. You know something of what the club has meant to me. I made it, built it, fostered it, and now it's dead. There's been a meeting since the match. The other directors had pence in where I had pounds. They won't put another farthing down to save the club, and I can't. I'm ruined. But that isn't what I'm here for now. I've lost to-day a greater thing than money. Elsie. Ruined! Father, what do you mean? Mrs. Metherell. You needn't fret. Ruined is a way of talking. He'll have a nest-egg left to pay your servants and your milliner's bills. Austin. No. It means literally ruined. Metherell has cause to know my case was pretty desperate. Jack. I didn't know how bad. Austin. Could you have acted any differently if you had? Jack. You know I couldn't. Austin (_sincerely_). No. You've showed up well to-day, and I've showed badly. Jack (_sympathetically_). You were in a hole. Austin. A man can never tell beforehand what he'll do in a tight corner, but he can be ashamed afterwards if he's done the wrong thing. And I'm--I'm trying now to snatch some rags of self-respect. Won't you help me, Mrs. Metherell? Mrs. Metherell (_graciously_). Well, maybe a drowning man can't be particular what straw he clutches at. What can I do? Austin. Jack was the straw I clutched. I tempted him, and, to his honour and my own dishonour, he withstood me. But I owe him reparation, and I want to pay. If I can see these two young people happy, I shan't feel utterly debased. I shall have rescued from the wreck enough to give me back my soul. Mrs. Metherell (_hardening again_). That's a grand high way to talk about a bit of conscience-money. Austin (_humbly_). Yes, call it conscience-money if you like, although I have no money now, and money won't buy me back my peace of mind. I'm going to do the one thing in my power to right the wrong I did to Jack this afternoon. I'm going to put this marriage through. Mrs. Metherell (_ironically_). Oh? What marriage may that be? Austin. Don't you know? Elsie. Of course she knows. Austin. Then that's all right, and a load's gone off my mind. Elsie. One moment, father. Austin. Yes. What is it? Elsie. I'm not so confident about it as I was. Austin. As you were when? It's not an hour since you defied the world to stand between you and Jack. Elsie. It's not the world that stands between. It's Mrs. Metherell. Jack. Elsie! (_Going towards her, then standing bewildered._) Austin. Mrs. Metherell! (_Turning to her genially_). Oh, come, we parents have to make this sacrifice to see our children happy. Mrs. Metherell. I care as much about Jack's happiness as you. Austin. Then we're unanimous. That's settled then. Elsie, (_quietly_). Not quite. Austin. Why not. (_Looking at Jack._) You told me my consent was all you wanted. Mrs. Metherell (_eyeing Jack_). Did you? Jack. No. I said I'd want yours too. Austin. Of course. Well, you've got my consent now, freely, gladly given. Jack. Yes, I wanted that.