“The fact is, mother,” he went on after a pause, “you have run away with a totally wrong idea of Miss Vivian. If she were the sort of actress you picture, you might perhaps be anxious; but all the same I think you might have given me credit for rather better taste.” “My dear, an actress is an actress—and everyone knows what that is; and the mere fact of her calling, or whatever you like to name it, is sufficient to seriously hurt your position.” He smiled a little. “I dispute the dictum that everyone knows whant an actress is, in the sweeping sense you mean. I do not think you know, for one. I shall have to try and persuade Miss Vivian to come and see you.” “Indeed I hope you will do no such thing.” Again he smiled. “In any case I should not succeed. She is very proud, and would resent patronage even more than you.” Mrs. Hermon gave a significant sniff of incredulity, but she only said: “Well, Alymer dear, you will give me a promise not to see her any more—won’t you?” “I can’t do that, mother.” “Why not?” “It is out of the question. For one thing, I owe too much to Miss Vivian; and for another, I am too fond of her.” “All the more reason you should try to break off the friendship at once, before she has succeeded in any of her schemes to entangle you.” “She has no schemes to entangle me, as you put it. She has been a splendid friend. I owe my first brief to her, and a good deal else beside.” “Well, and no doubt you have already given her a good deal in return. Quite as much as she deserves. There is no necessity for you to ruin your whole career, just because she happens to like being seen out with you.” There was a silence, in which Alymer seemed to be cogitating how best to disarm his mother’s fears; and also to be reminding himself of her natural ignorance on theatrical matters, and his own need to be patient therefore. At last he said quietly: “Miss Vivian only wants to help me in my profession; and I can only tell you again she has been a splendid friend to me. Aunt Edith has told you a great deal of nonsense. She has always been glad to pick holes in me if she could. Most of it is lies, and you must take my word for it. It is useless to discuss the matter. I am sorry you have been so worried, but I don’t know how to make you understand.” “I understand far better than you think; and I know you ought to end the friendship at once. I want you to do so.” “It is out of the question. But you need not worry. You must just forget. No...” as she attempted further remonstrance; “don’t go on. I cannot listen to any more against Miss Vivian. I think I will go and smoke a pipe with the pater. Shall you come and sit with us?” And a certain expression in his eyes that reminded her of his father in his most decisive moods told her he meant to say no more. She rose at once.