er, who
was interfering between me and my wife. The thing would be funny if it
weren't so disgusting. A man's house used to be sanctuary. What is it
now? With all the world poking their noses in?

He stands before the fire with his head bent, excluding as it were his
interviewer and all the world.

JOURNALIST. [Preparing to go] Thank you very much, Mr Builder. I'm
sure I can do you justice. Would you like to see a proof?

BUILDER. [Half conscious of him] What?

JOURNALIST. Or will you trust me?

BUILDER. I wouldn't trust you a yard.

JOURNALIST. [At the door] Very well, sir; you shall have a proof, I
promise. Good afternoon, and thank you.

BUILDER. Here!

But he is gone, and BUILDER is left staring at his brother, on whose
face is still that look of whimsical commiseration.

RALPH. Take a pull, old man! Have a hot bath and go to bed.

BUILDER. They've chosen to drive me to extremes, now let them take the
consequences. I don't care a kick what anybody thinks.

RALPH. [Sadly] Well, I won't worry you anymore, now.

BUILDER. [With a nasty laugh] No; come again to-morrow!

RALPH. When you've had a sleep. For the sake of the family name, John,
don't be hasty.

BUILDER. Shut the stable door? No, my boy, the horse has gone.

RALPH. Well, Well!

With a lingering look at his brother, who has sat down sullenly at
the writing table, he goes out into the hall.

BUILDER remains staring in front of him. The dining-room door
opens, and CAMILLE's head is thrust in. Seeing him, she draws back,
but he catches sight of her.

BUILDER. Here!

CAMILLE comes doubtfully up to the writing table. Her forehead is
puckered as if she were thinking hard.

BUILDER. [Looking at her, unsmiling] So you want to be my mistress,
do you?

CAMILLE makes a nervous gesture.

Well, you shall. Come here.

CAMILLE. [Not moving] You f--frighten me.

BUILDER. I've paid a pretty price for you. But you'll make up for it;
you and others.

CAMILLE. [Starting back] No; I don't like you to-day! No!

BUILDER. Come along! [She is just within reach and he seizes her arm]
All my married life I've put a curb on myself for the sake of
respectability. I've been a man of principle, my girl, as you saw
yesterday. Well, they don't want that! [He draws her close] You can sit
on my knee now.

CAMILLE. [Shrinking] No; I don't want to, to-day.

BUILDER. But