Austin. Isn't that everything? Elsie. No. I've been thinking. Austin. I thought you knew your own mind, Elsie. Elsie. I didn't know Mrs. Metherell. Perhaps I didn't know Jack. Austin (_still with confidence_). There's been some lovers' tiff between you. Come, Elsie, I divided you this afternoon. Let me unite you now. What is the difficulty? I'm sure it's just a temporary trifle. Elsie. Whether it's temporary depends on how long Mrs. Metherell proposes to live. Mrs. Metherell (_enjoying herself_). I'm hearty, thank you. Mine's a long-lived family. Austin (_brushing the difficulty aside_). Mrs. Metherell won't stand in your way, Elsie. Mrs. Metherell. Speak for yourself. Austin. Oh, now I see. You're feeling as I did. It took me by surprise. But I'm converted now, and you'll find you'll soon grow used to the idea. Once you and I were young ourselves, and---- Elsie. Father, it's no use talking to Mrs. Metherell as if she was a reasonable being. It rests with Jack to choose. Jack. To choose? Elsie. Yes. Me or your mother. Which is it to be? Jack. I--I don't know. (_Glancing shiftily at Mrs. Metherell._) Mrs. Metherell (_menacingly_). You'd better know, and sharp. Jack. She's my mother, Elsie. Elsie. Yes. Who comes first? Your mother or the woman you--the woman I used to think you loved. Jack (_hurt_). Elsie, you know I love you. Elsie. Do I? Is it love? Love hasn't widened your horizon. Love should break through, but you can't see beyond your mother for all your love. Austin (_peace-making_). Elsie, you mustn't ask a man to make a choice like that. These relationships don't clash. They sort themselves out. Elsie. That's all you know about it. If you'd been here earlier, you'd have seen the clash all right. Austin. I didn't see it, but I know you're very capable of looking after yourself. Elsie. Oh, I can manage you. And I can manage Jack. You're men, but---- Mrs. Metherell. You can't manage me. Elsie (_agreeing_). I've met my match. Austin (_earnestly_). Elsie, I've set my heart on seeing you happy. My future's black. I see no future for myself at all, but I hoped that this one satisfaction would be granted me. You wanted Jack. Elsie. Yes, but---- Austin. Do you still want him? Elsie. He's got a mother. Austin. Never mind her. Do you want him? Elsie. Yes. By himself. Austin. Very well. Metherell, do you want her? Jack. My mother doesn't want me to want her. Austin. No. But do you? Jack. It's like this---- Elsie. It's no good, father. If wishing could kill Mrs. Metherell, she'd be dead at my feet. Jack. Elsie! Mrs. Metherell. Plain speaking breaks no bones. I can give as good as I get.