]
HAWCASTLE [suavely]. Ah, good-evening, Mr. Pike!
HORACE. Lord Hawcastle, will you insist upon Ethel's leaving? It's quite
on the cards we shall have a disagreeable scene here.
HAWCASTLE [smiling]. I see no occasion for it; we're here simply for Mr.
Pike's answer. He knows where we stand and we know where he stands.
PIKE [with a grim smile]. I reckon you're right so far.
HAWCASTLE [continuing]. And his answer will be yes.
PIKE [with quiet emphasis]. But you're wrong there!
HAWCASTLE [to HORACE, with sudden seriousness]. Perhaps you are right,
Mr. Granger-Simpson. Painful things may be done. Better the young lady
were spared them. Take your sister away.
[He motions HORACE toward the door.]
ALMERIC. For God's sake do--it may be quite rowdy.
LADY CREECH [to ETHEL at the same time]. My dear, you positively must!
HORACE. Ethel, I command you!
[ETHEL, troubled, half rises as if to go]
PIKE [imperiously, to ETHEL]. You stay right where you are!
ALMERIC [angrily]. Oh, I say!
LADY CREECH. Oh, the lynching ruffian!
HORACE. Ethel, do you mean to let this fellow dictate to you?
ETHEL [breathlessly and loudly, as if resistance were hopeless].
But--he says I _must_!
[She sinks back into her chair.]
PIKE [to HAWCASTLE]. You're here for an answer, you say?
HAWCASTLE [on the defensive].
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