tation of that kind may be ground for a criminal libel
action?

STRANGER. Quite. But there's no shadow of doubt; not the faintest.
You saw her just now?

HILLCRIST. I did. [Revolting again] No; I don't like it.

[DAWKER has drawn the STRANGER a step or two away, and they
talk together.]

MRS. H. [In a low voice] And the ruin of our home? You're
betraying your fathers, Jack.

HILLCRIST. I can't bear bringing a woman into it.

MRS. H. We don't. If anyone brings her in; it will be Hornblower
himself.

HILLCRIST. We use her secret as a lever.

MRS. H. I tell you quite plainly: I will only consent to holding my
tongue about her, if you agree to Hornblower being told. It's a
scandal to have a woman like that in the neighbourhood.

JILL. Mother means that, father.

HILLCRIST. Jill, keep quiet. This is a very bitter position. I
can't tell what to do.

MRS. H. You must use this knowledge. You owe it to me--to us all.
You'll see that when you've thought it over.

JILL. [Softly] Pitch, Dodo, pitch!

MRS. H. [Furiously] Jill, be quiet!

HILLCRIST. I was brought up never to hurt a woman. I can't do it,
Amy--I can't do it. I should never feel like a gentleman again.

MRS. H. [Coldly] Oh! Very well.

HILLCRIST. What d'you mean by that?

MRS. H. I shall use the knowledge in my own way.

HILLCRIST. [Staring at her] You would--against my wishes?

MRS. H. I consider it my duty.

HILLCRIST. If I agree to Hornblower being told----

MRS. H. That's all I want.

HILLCRIST. It's the utmost I'll consent to, Amy; and don't let's
have any humbug about its being, morally necessary. We do it to
save our skins.

MRS. H. I don't know what you mean by humbug?

JILL. He means humbug; mother.

HILLCRIST. It must stop at old Hornblower. Do you quite
understand?

MRS. H. Quite.

JILL. Will it stop?

MRS. H. Jill, if you can't keep your impertinence to yourself----

HILLCRIST. Jill, come with me.

[He turns towards door, Back.]

JILL. I'm sorry, mother. Only it is a skin game, isn't it?

MRS. H. You pride yourself on plain speech, Jill. I pride myself
on plain thought. You will thank me afterwards that I can see
realities. I know we are better people than these Hornblowers.
Here we are going to stay, and they--are not.

JILL. [Looking at her with a sort of unwilling admiration] Mother,
you're wonderful!

HILLCRIST. Jill!

JILL. Coming, D