e can't stay
here.

MRS BUILDER comes forth, followed by GUY.

As for you, sir, if you start by allowing a woman to impose her crazy
ideas about marriage on you, all I can say is--I despise you. [He
crosses to the outer door, followed by his wife. To ATHENE] I've done
with you!

He goes out.

MRS BUILDER, who has so far seemed to accompany him, shuts the door
quickly and remains in the studio. She stands there with that faint
smile on her face, looking at the two young people.

ATHENE. Awfully sorry, mother; but don't you see what a stunner father's
given me?

MRS BUILDER. My dear, all men are not alike.

GUY. I've always told her that, ma'am.

ATHENE. [Softly] Oh! mother, I'm so sorry for you.

The handle of the door is rattled, a fist is beaten on it.

[She stamps, and covers her ears] Disgusting!

GUY. Shall I--?

MRS BUILDER. [Shaking her head] I'm going in a moment. [To ATHENE] You
owe it to me, Athene.

ATHENE. Oh! if somebody would give him a lesson!

BUILDER's voice: "Julia!"

Have you ever tried, mother?

MRS BUILDER looks at the YOUNG MAN, who turns away out of hearing.

MRS BUILDER. Athene, you're mistaken. I've always stood up to him in my
own way.

ATHENE. Oh! but, mother--listen!

The beating and rattling have recommenced, and the voice: "Are you
coming?"

[Passionately] And that's family life! Father was all right before he
married, I expect. And now it's like this. How you survive--!

MRS BUILDER. He's only in a passion, my dear.

ATHENE. It's wicked.

MRS BUILDER. It doesn't work otherwise, Athene.

A single loud bang on the door.

ATHENE. If he beats on that door again, I shall scream.

MRS BUILDER smiles, shakes her head, and turns to the door.

MRS BUILDER. Now, my dear, you're going to be sensible, to please me.
It's really best. If I say so, it must be. It's all comedy, Athene.

ATHENE. Tragedy!

GUY. [Turning to them] Look here! Shall I shift him?

MRS BUILDER shakes her head and opens the door. BUILDER stands
there, a furious figure.

BUILDER. Will you come, and leave that baggage and her cad?

MRS BUILDER steps quickly out and the door is closed. Guy makes an angry
movement towards it.

ATHENE. Guy!

GUY. [Turning to her] That puts the top hat on. So persuasive! [He
takes out of his pocket a wedding ring, and a marriage licence] Well!
What