BEATRICE. [_unruffled._] How will you stop me, Booth? BOOTH. I shall tell Hugh he must command you to stay. BEATRICE. [_with a little smile._] Now that might make a difference. It was one of the illusions of my girlhood that I should love a man who would master me. BOOTH. Hugh must assert himself. _He begins to walk about, giving some indication of how it should be done._ BEATRICE'S _smile has vanished_. BEATRICE. Don't think I've enjoyed taking the lead in everything throughout my married life. But someone had to plan and scheme and be foreseeing . . we weren't sparrows or lilies of the field . . someone had to get up and do something. [_she becomes conscious of his strutting and smiles rather mischievously._] Ah . . if I'd married you, Booth! BOOTH'S _face grows beatific_. BOOTH. Well, I must own to thinking that I am a masterful man . . that is the duty of every man to be so. [_he adds forgivingly._] Poor old Hugh! BEATRICE. [_unable to resist temptation._] If I'd tried to leave you, Booth, you'd have whipped me . . wouldn't you? BOOTH. [_ecstatically complacent._] Ha . . well . . ! BEATRICE. Do say yes. Think how it'll frighten Emily. _The Major strokes his moustache and is most friendly._ BOOTH. Hugh's been a worry to me all my life. And now as Head of the Family . . Well, I suppose I'd better go and give the dear old chap another talking to. I quite see your point of view, Beatrice. BEATRICE. Why disturb him at his book? MAJOR BOOTH _leaves them, squaring his shoulders as becomes a lord of creation. The two sisters-in-law go on with their work silently for a moment; then_ BEATRICE _adds_ . . BEATRICE. Do you find Booth difficult to manage, Emily? EMILY. [_putting down her knitting to consider the matter._] No. It's best to allow him to talk himself out. When he's done that he'll often come to me for advice. I let him get his own way as much as possible . . or think he's getting it. Otherwise he becomes so depressed. BEATRICE. [_quietly amused._] Edward shouldn't hear this. What has he to do with women's secrets? EDWARD. I won't tell . . and I'm a bachelor. EMILY. [_solemnly as she takes up her knitting again._] Do you really mean to leave Hugh? BEATRICE. [_slightly impatient._] Emily, I've said so. _They are joined by_ ALICE MAITLAND, _who comes in gaily_. ALICE. What's Booth shouting about in the billiard room? EMILY. [_pained._] On Christmas Eve, too! BEATRICE. Don't you take any interest in my matrimonial affairs? MRS. VOYSEY _shuts up the Nineteenth Century and removes her spectacles_. MRS. VOYSEY. That's a very interesting article. The Chinese Empire must be in a shocking state! Is it ten o'clock yet? EDWARD. Past. MRS. VOYSEY. [_as_ EDWARD _is behind her_.] Can anyone see the clock? ALICE. It's past ten, Auntie. MRS. VOYSEY. Then I think I'll go to my room. EMILY. Shall I come and look after you, Mother? MRS. VOYSEY. If you'd find Honor for me, Emily.