ing at him._] What?

HARVEY. [_Doggedly._] Yes--it would. She's very fond of me, that's the
truth. I know that I've been to blame--but it's too late for that now.
She's romantic, of course--what you'd call sentimental. I dare say I've
played on her feelings--she saw I was lonely. She has a side that you've
never suspected--a tender, sensitive side--she has ideals.... Well, do you
realise what it would mean, with a girl like that? No one knows her as I
do. I'm quite startled sometimes, to find how fond she is of me. Oh, have
some sympathy! It's difficult, I know--it's terribly difficult. But she
loves me--that's the truth--and a young girl's love--why, she might throw
herself into the river! Oh yes, you smile--but she might! What do _you_
know of life, with your Blue-books? Anyhow, I daren't risk it.
By-and-by--there's no hurry, is there? And I put it to you--be merciful!
You're not the ordinary woman--you have a brain--you're not conventional.
Don't act like the others. Don't drive this girl out of the house. It
would end in tragedy. Believe it!

MRS. WESTERN. You can't really expect me to keep a girl here, as governess
to my children, who, as you say, is in love with you.

HARVEY. [_Pleading._] I expect you--I'm asking you--to help her--and me.

MRS. WESTERN. [_Shaking her head._] That's too much. We won't turn her out
to-night--I'll give her a reference, and all that--

HARVEY. [_Springing to his feet again._] Alice, I can't let her go!

MRS. WESTERN. [_Conciliatorily._] Ask Tom, ask any one--

HARVEY. [_More and more passionately._] I tell you, I can't let her go!

MRS. WESTERN. Be sensible, Harvey--you must realise yourself there's no
alternative--

HARVEY. [_With a violent and uncontrollable outburst._] I vow and declare
to you--if she goes, I go too! And the consequences will be on your head!

[MRS. WESTERN _has also risen--they stand face to face, looking
at each other--and for a moment there is silence. The door opens,
and_ MISS FARREN _comes in, dressed as before. She walks straight
to_ MRS. WESTERN.

MISS FARREN. Mrs. Western, my things are packed, and on the cab--

HARVEY. [_Wildly._] My poor child, you're _not_ to go--I told you.

MISS FARREN. [_With a demure glance at him, stopping him as he is moving
towards her._] Of course I must--I can't stay here--that's not possible.
My sister will take me in for to-night.

MRS. WESTERN. Miss Farren, my husband has explained to me--I