[Sheresumesherwork]。
　　THEGENTLEMAN。Indeed！Perhaps——mayIaskareyouMissVivieWarren？
　　THEYOUNGLADY[sharply，assheturnsonherelbowtogetagoodlookathim]Yes。
　　THEGENTLEMAN[dauntedandconciliatory]I’mafraidIappearintrusive。MynameisPraed。[Vivieatoncethrowsherbooksuponthechair，andgetsoutofthehammock]。Oh，praydon’tletmedisturbyou。
　　VIVIE[stridingtothegateandopeningitforhim]Comein，MrPraed。[Hecomesin]。Gladtoseeyou。[Sheproffersherhandandtakeshiswitharesoluteandheartygrip。Sheisanattractivespecimenofthesensible，able，highly-educatedyoungmiddle-classEnglishwoman。Age22。Prompt，strong，confident，self-possessed。Plainbusiness-likedress，butnotdowdy。Shewearsachatelaineatherbelt，withafountainpenandapaperknifeamongitspendants]。
　　PRAED。Verykindofyouindeed，MissWarren。[Sheshutsthegatewithavigorousslam。Hepassesintothemiddleofthegarden，exercisinghisfingers，whichareslightlynumbedbyhergreeting]。Hasyourmotherarrived？
　　VIVIE[quickly，evidentlyscentingaggression]Isshecoming？
　　PRAED[surprised]Didn’tyouexpectus？
　　VIVIE。No。
　　PRAED。Now，goodnessme，IhopeIvenotmistakentheday。Thatwouldbejustlikeme，youknow。YourmotherarrangedthatshewastocomedownfromLondonandthatIwastocomeoverfromHorshamtobeintroducedtoyou。
　　VIVIE[notatallpleased]Didshe？Hm！Mymotherhasratheratrickoftakingmebysurprise——toseehowIbehavemyselfwhileshe’saway，Isuppose。IfancyIshalltakemymotherverymuchbysurpriseoneofthesedays，ifshemakesarrangementsthatconcernmewithoutconsultingmebeforehand。Shehasntcome。
　　PRAED[embarrassed]I’mreallyverysorry。
　　VIVIE[throwingoffherdispleasure]It’snotyourfault，MrPraed，isit？AndI’mverygladyouvecome。Youaretheonlyoneofmymother’sfriendsIhaveeveraskedhertobringtoseeme。
　　PRAED[relievedanddelighted]Oh，nowthisisreallyverygoodofyou，MissWarren！
　　VIVIE。Willyoucomeindoors;orwouldyourathersitouthereandtalk？
　　PRAED。Itwillbenicerouthere，dontyouthink？
　　VIVIE。ThenI’llgoandgetyouachair。[Shegoestotheporchforagardenchair]。
　　PRAED[followingher]Oh，pray，pray！Allowme。[Helayshandsonthechair]。
　　VIVIE[lettinghimtakeit]Takecareofyourfingers;theyreratherdodgythings，thosechairs。[Shegoesacrosstothechairwiththebooksonit;pitchesthemintothehammock;andbringsthechairforwardwithoneswing]。
　　PRAED[whohasjustunfoldedhischair]Oh，nowdoletmetakethathardchair。Ilikehardchairs。
　　VIVIE。SodoI。Sitdown，MrPraed。[Thisinvitationshegiveswithagenialperemptoriness，hisanxietytopleaseherclearlystrikingherasasignofweaknessofcharacteronhispart。Buthedoesnotimmediatelyobey]。
　　PRAED。Bytheway，though，hadntwebettergotothestationtomeetyourmother？
　　VIVIE[coolly]Why？Sheknowstheway。
　　PRAED[disconcerted]Er——Isupposeshedoes[hesitsdown]。
　　VIVIE。Doyouknow，youarejustlikewhatIexpected。Ihopeyouaredisposedtobefriendswithme。
　　PRAED[againbeaming]Thankyou，mydearMissWarren;thankyou。Dearme！I’msogladyourmotherhasntspoiltyou！
　　VIVIE。How？
　　PRAED。Well，inmakingyoutooconventional。Youknow，mydearMissWarren，Iamabornanarchist。Ihateauthority。Itspoilstherelationsbetweenparentandchild;evenbetweenmotheranddaughter。NowIwasalwaysafraidthatyourmotherwouldstrainherauthoritytomakeyouveryconventional。It’ssucharelieftofindthatshehasnt。
　　VIVIE。Oh！haveIbeenbehavingunconventionally？
　　PRAED。Ohno：ohdearno。Atleast，notconventionallyunconventionally，youunderstand。[Shenodsandsitsdown。Hegoeson，withacordialoutburst]Butitwassocharmingofyoutosaythatyouweredisposedtobefriendswithme！Youmodernyoungladiesaresplendid：perfectlysplendid！
　　VIVIE[dubiously]Eh？[watchinghimwithdawningdisappointmentastothequalityofhisbrainsandcharacter]。
　　PRAED。WhenIwasyourage，youngmenandwomenwereafraidofeachother：therewasnogoodfellowship。Nothingreal。Onlygallantrycopiedoutofnovels，andasvulgarandaffectedasitcouldbe。Maidenlyreserve！gentlemanlychivalry！alwayssayingnowhenyoumeantyes！simplepurgatoryforshyandsinceresouls。
　　VIVIE。Yes，Iimaginetheremusthavebeenafrightfulwasteoftime。Especiallywomen’stime。
　　PRAED。Oh，wasteoflife，wasteofeverything。Butthingsareimproving。Doyouknow，IhavebeeninapositivestateofexcitementaboutmeetingyoueversinceyourmagnificentachievementsatCambridge：athingunheardofinmyday。Itwasperfectlysplendid，yourtieingwiththethirdwrangler。Justtherightplace，youknow。Thefirstwranglerisalwaysadreamy，morbidfellow，inwhomthethingispushedtothelengthofadisease。
　　VIVIE。Itdoesntpay。Iwouldntdoitagainforthesamemoney。
　　PRAED[aghast]Thesamemoney！
　　VIVIE。Yes。Fiftypounds。Perhapsyoudontknowhowitwas。
　　MrsLatham，mytutoratNewnham，toldmymotherthatIcoulddistinguishmyselfinthemathematicaltriposifIwentinforitinearnest。ThepaperswerefulljustthenofPhillipaSummersbeatingtheseniorwrangler。Yourememberaboutit，ofcourse。
　　PRAED[shakeshisheadenergetically]！！！
　　VIVIE。Well，anyhow，shedid;andnothingwouldpleasemymotherbutthatIshoulddothesamething。IsaidflatlythatitwasnotworthmywhiletofacethegrindsinceIwasnotgoinginforteaching;butIofferedtotryforfourthwranglerorthereaboutsforfiftypounds。Sheclosedwithmeatthat，afteralittlegrumbling;andIwasbetterthanmybargain。ButIwouldntdoitagainforthat。Twohundredpoundswouldhavebeennearerthemark。
　　PRAED[muchdamped]Lordblessme！Thatsaverypracticalwayoflookingatit。
　　VIVIE。Didyouexpecttofindmeanunpracticalperson？
　　PRAED。Butsurelyit’spracticaltoconsidernotonlytheworkthesehonorscost，butalsotheculturetheybring。
　　VIVIE。Culture！MydearMrPraed：doyouknowwhatthemathematicaltriposmeans？Itmeansgrind，grind，grindforsixtoeighthoursadayatmathematics，andnothingbutmathematics。
　　I’msupposedtoknowsomethingaboutscience;butIknownothingexceptthemathematicsitinvolves。Icanmakecalculationsforengineers，electricians，insurancecompanies，andsoon;butI
　　knownexttonothingaboutengineeringorelectricityorinsurance。Idontevenknowarithmeticwell。Outsidemathematics，lawn-tennis，eating，sleeping，cycling，andwalking，I’mamoreignorantbarbarianthananywomancouldpossiblybewhohadntgoneinforthetripos。
　　PRAED[revolted]Whatamonstrous，wicked，rascallysystem！I
　　knewit！Ifeltatoncethatitmeantdestroyingallthatmakeswomanhoodbeautiful！
　　VIVIE。Idontobjecttoitonthatscoreintheleast。Ishallturnittoverygoodaccount，Iassureyou。
　　PRAED。Pooh！Inwhatway？
　　VIVIE。IshallsetupchambersintheCity，andworkatactuarialcalculationsandconveyancing。UndercoverofthatI
　　shalldosomelaw，withoneeyeontheStockExchangeallthetime。Ivecomedownherebymyselftoreadlaw：notforaholiday，asmymotherimagines。Ihateholidays。
　　PRAED。Youmakemybloodruncold。Areyoutohavenoromance，nobeautyinyourlife？
　　VIVIE。Idontcareforeither，Iassureyou。
　　PRAED。Youcantmeanthat。
　　VIVIE。OhyesIdo。Ilikeworkingandgettingpaidforit。
　　WhenI’mtiredofworking，Ilikeacomfortablechair，acigar，alittlewhisky，andanovelwithagooddetectivestoryinit。
　　PRAED[risinginafrenzyofrepudiation]Idontbelieveit。I
　　amanartist;andIcantbelieveit：Irefusetobelieveit。
　　It’sonlythatyouhavntdiscoveredyetwhatawonderfulworldartcanopenuptoyou。
　　VIVIE。YesIhave。LastMayIspentsixweeksinLondonwithHonoriaFraser。Mammathoughtweweredoingaroundofsightseeingtogether;butIwasreallyatHonoria’schambersinChanceryLaneeveryday，workingawayatactuarialcalculationsforher，andhelpingheraswellasagreenhorncould。Intheeveningswesmokedandtalked，andneverdreamtofgoingoutexceptforexercise。AndIneverenjoyedmyselfmoreinmylife。
　　Iclearedallmyexpensesandgotinitiatedintothebusinesswithoutafeeinthebargain。
　　PRAED。Butblessmyheartandsoul，MissWarren，doyoucallthatdiscoveringart？
　　VIVIE。Waitabit。Thatwasntthebeginning。IwentuptotownonaninvitationfromsomeartisticpeopleinFitzjohn’sAvenue：
　　oneofthegirlswasaNewnhamchum。TheytookmetotheNationalGallery——
　　PRAED[approving]Ah！！[Hesitsdown，muchrelieved]。
　　VIVIE[continuing]——totheOpera——
　　PRAED[stillmorepleased]Good！
　　VIVIE。——andtoaconcertwherethebandplayedalltheevening：
　　BeethovenandWagnerandsoon。Iwouldntgothroughthatexperienceagainforanythingyoucouldofferme。Iheldoutforcivility’ssakeuntilthethirdday;andthenIsaid，plumpout，thatIcouldntstandanymoreofit，andwentofftoChanceryLane。NowyouknowthesortofperfectlysplendidmodernyoungladyIam。HowdoyouthinkIshallgetonwithmymother？
　　PRAED[startled]Well，Ihope——er——
　　VIVIE。It’snotsomuchwhatyouhopeaswhatyoubelieve，thatIwanttoknow。
　　PRAED。Well，frankly，Iamafraidyourmotherwillbealittledisappointed。Notfromanyshortcomingonyourpart，youknow：I
　　dontmeanthat。Butyouaresodifferentfromherideal。
　　VIVIE。Herwhat？！
　　PRAED。Herideal。
　　VIVIE。DoyoumeanheridealofME？
　　PRAED。Yes。
　　VIVIE。Whatonearthisitlike？
　　PRAED。Well，youmusthaveobserved，MissWarren，thatpeoplewhoaredissatisfiedwiththeirownbringing-upgenerallythinkthattheworldwouldbeallrightifeverybodyweretobebroughtupquitedifferently。Nowyourmother’slifehasbeen——er——I
　　supposeyouknow——
　　VIVIE。Dontsupposeanything，MrPraed。Ihardlyknowmymother。SinceIwasachildIhavelivedinEngland，atschooloratcollege，orwithpeoplepaidtotakechargeofme。Ihavebeenboardedoutallmylife。MymotherhaslivedinBrusselsorViennaandneverletmegotoher。IonlyseeherwhenshevisitsEnglandforafewdays。Idontcomplain：it’sbeenverypleasant;forpeoplehavebeenverygoodtome;andtherehasalwaysbeenplentyofmoneytomakethingssmooth。ButdontimagineIknowanythingaboutmymother。Iknowfarlessthanyoudo。
　　PRAED[veryillatease]Inthatcase——[Hestops，quiteataloss。Then，withaforcedattemptatgaiety]Butwhatnonsensewearetalking！Ofcourseyouandyourmotherwillgetoncapitally。[Herises，andlooksabroadattheview]。Whatacharminglittleplaceyouhavehere！
　　VIVIE[unmoved]Ratheraviolentchangeofsubject，MrPraed。
　　Whywontmymother’slifebearbeingtalkedabout？
　　PRAED。Oh，youmustntsaythat。IsntitnaturalthatIshouldhaveacertaindelicacyintalkingtomyoldfriend’sdaughteraboutherbehindherback？Youandshewillhaveplentyofopportunityoftalkingaboutitwhenshecomes。
　　VIVIE。No：shewonttalkaboutiteither。[Rising]However，I
　　daresayyouhavegoodreasonsfortellingmenothing。Only，mindthis，MrPraed，IexpecttherewillbeabattleroyalwhenmymotherhearsofmyChanceryLaneproject。
　　PRAED[ruefully]I’mafraidtherewill。
　　VIVIE。Well，IshallwinbecauseIwantnothingbutmyfaretoLondontostartthereto-morrowearningmyownlivingbydevillingforHonoria。Besides，Ihavenomysteriestokeepup;
　　anditseemsshehas。Ishallusethatadvantageoverherifnecessary。
　　PRAED[greatlyshocked]Ohno！No，pray。Youdnotdosuchathing。
　　VIVIE。Thentellmewhynot。
　　PRAED。Ireallycannot。Iappealtoyourgoodfeeling。[Shesmilesathissentimentality]。Besides，youmaybetoobold。
　　Yourmotherisnottobetrifledwithwhenshe’sangry。
　　VIVIE。Youcantfrightenme，MrPraed。InthatmonthatChanceryLaneIhadopportunitiesoftakingthemeasureofoneortwowomenverylikemymother。Youmaybackmetowin。ButifIhitharderinmyignorancethanIneed，rememberitisyouwhorefusetoenlightenme。Now，letusdropthesubject。[Shetakesherchairandreplacesitnearthehammockwiththesamevigorousswingasbefore]。
　　PRAED[takingadesperateresolution]Oneword，MissWarren。I
　　hadbettertellyou。It’sverydifficult;but——
　　[MrsWarrenandSirGeorgeCroftsarriveatthegate。MrsWarrenisbetween40and50，formerlypretty，showilydressedinabrillianthatandagayblousefittingtightlyoverherbustandflankedbyfashionablesleeves。Ratherspoiltanddomineering，anddecidedlyvulgar，but，onthewhole，agenialandfairlypresentableoldblackguardofawoman。]
　　[Croftsisatallpowerfully-builtmanofabout50，fashionablydressedinthestyleofayoungman。Nasalvoice，reedierthanmightbeexpectedfromhisstrongframe。Clean-shavenbulldogjaws，largeflatears，andthickneck：gentlemanlycombinationofthemostbrutaltypesofcityman，sportingman，andmanabouttown。]
　　VIVIE。Heretheyare。[Comingtothemastheyenterthegarden]
　　Howdo，mater？MrPraed’sbeenherethishalfhour，waitingforyou。
　　MRSWARREN。Well，ifyouvebeenwaiting，Praddy，it’syourownfault：IthoughtyoudhavehadthegumptiontoknowIwascomingbythe3。10train。Vivie：putyourhaton，dear：youllgetsunburnt。Oh，Iforgottointroduceyou。SirGeorgeCrofts：mylittleVivie。
　　[CroftsadvancestoViviewithhismostcourtlymanner。Shenods，butmakesnomotiontoshakehands。]
　　CROFTS。MayIshakehandswithayoungladywhomIhaveknownbyreputationverylongasthedaughterofoneofmyoldestfriends？
　　VIVIE[whohasbeenlookinghimupanddownsharply]Ifyoulike。
　　[Shetakeshistenderlyproferredhandandgivesitasqueezethatmakeshimopenhiseyes;thenturnsaway，andsaystohermother]Willyoucomein，orshallIgetacouplemorechairs？
　　[Shegoesintotheporchforthechairs]。
　　MRSWARREN。Well，George，whatdoyouthinkofher？
　　CROFTS[ruefully]Shehasapowerfulfist。Didyoushakehandswithher，Praed？
　　PRAED。Yes：itwillpassoffpresently。
　　CROFTS。Ihopeso。[Viviereappearswithtwomorechairs。Hehurriestoherassistance]。Allowme。
　　MRSWARREN[patronizingly]LetSirGeorgehelpyouwiththechairs，dear。
　　VIVIE[pitchingthemintohisarms]Hereyouare。[ShedustsherhandsandturnstoMrsWarren]。Youdlikesometea，wouldntyou？
　　MRSWARREN[sittinginPraed’schairandfanningherself]I’mdyingforadroptodrink。
　　VIVIE。I’llseeaboutit。[Shegoesintothecottage]。
　　[SirGeorgehasbythistimemanagedtounfoldachairandplantitbyMrsWarren，onherleft。Hethrowstheotheronthegrassandsitsdown，lookingdejectedandratherfoolish，withthehandleofhisstickinhismouth。Praed，stillveryuneasy，fidgetsaroundthegardenontheirright。]
　　MRSWARREN[toPraed，lookingatCrofts]Justlookathim，Praddy：helookscheerful，donthe？He’sbeenworryingmylifeoutthesethreeyearstohavethatlittlegirlofmineshewntohim;andnowthatIvedoneit，he’squiteoutofcountenance。
　　[Briskly]Come！situp，George;andtakeyourstickoutofyourmouth。[Croftssulkilyobeys]。
　　PRAED。Ithink，youknow——ifyoudontmindmysayingso——thatwehadbettergetoutofthehabitofthinkingofherasalittlegirl。Youseeshehasreallydistinguishedherself;andI’mnotsure，fromwhatIhaveseenofher，thatsheisnotolderthananyofus。
　　MRSWARREN[greatlyamused]Onlylistentohim，George！Olderthananyofus！Wellshehasbeenstuffingyounicelywithherimportance。
　　PRAED。Butyoungpeopleareparticularlysensitiveaboutbeingtreatedinthatway。
　　MRSWARREN。Yes;andyoungpeoplehavetogetallthatnonsensetakenoutofthem，andgooddealmorebesides。Dontyouinterfere，Praddy：Iknowhowtotreatmyownchildaswellasyoudo。[Praed，withagraveshakeofhishead，walksupthegardenwithhishandsbehindhisback。MrsWarrenpretendstolaugh，butlooksafterhimwithperceptibleconcern。Then，shewhisperstoCrofts]Whatsthematterwithhim？Whatdoeshetakeitlikethatfor？
　　CROFTS[morosely]YoureafraidofPraed。
　　MRSWARREN。What！Me！AfraidofdearoldPraddy！Why，aflywouldntbeafraidofhim。
　　CROFTS。Youreafraidofhim。
　　MRSWARREN[angry]I’lltroubleyoutomindyourownbusiness，andnottryanyofyoursulksonme。I’mnotafraidofyou，anyhow。Ifyoucantmakeyourselfagreeable，youdbettergohome。[Shegetsup，and，turningherbackonhim，findsherselffacetofacewithPraed]。Come，Praddy，Iknowitwasonlyyourtender-heartedness。YoureafraidI’llbullyher。
　　PRAED。MydearKitty：youthinkI’moffended。Dontimaginethat：praydont。ButyouknowIoftennoticethingsthatescapeyou;andthoughyounevertakemyadvice，yousometimesadmitafterwardsthatyououghttohavetakenit。
　　MRSWARREN。Well，whatdoyounoticenow？
　　PRAED。OnlythatVivieisagrownwoman。Pray，Kitty，treatherwitheveryrespect。
　　MRSWARREN[withgenuineamazement]Respect！Treatmyowndaughterwithrespect！Whatnext，pray！
　　VIVIE[appearingatthecottagedoorandcallingtoMrsWarren]
　　Mother：willyoucometomyroombeforetea？
　　MRSWARREN。Yes，dearie。[ShelaughsindulgentlyatPraed’sgravity，andpatshimonthecheekasshepasseshimonherwaytotheporch]。Dontbecross，Praddy。[ShefollowsVivieintothecottage]。
　　CROFTS[furtively]Isay，Praed。
　　PRAED。Yes。
　　CROFTS。Iwanttoaskyouaratherparticularquestion。
　　PRAED。Certainly。[HetakesMrsWarren’schairandsitsclosetoCrofts]。
　　CROFTS。Thatsright：theymighthearusfromthewindow。Lookhere：didKittyeverytellyouwhothatgirl’sfatheris？
　　PRAED。Never。
　　CROFTS。Haveyouanysuspicionofwhoitmightbe？
　　PRAED。None。
　　CROFTS[notbelievinghim]Iknow，ofcourse，thatyouperhapsmightfeelboundnottotellifshehadsaidanythingtoyou。
　　Butit’sveryawkwardtobeuncertainaboutitnowthatweshallbemeetingthegirleveryday。Wedontexactlyknowhowweoughttofeeltowardsher。
　　PRAED。Whatdifferencecanthatmake？Wetakeheronherownmerits。Whatdoesitmatterwhoherfatherwas？
　　CROFTS[suspiciously]Thenyouknowwhohewas？
　　PRAED[withatouchoftemper]Isaidnojustnow。Didyounothearme？
　　CROFTS。Lookhere，Praed。Iaskyouasaparticularfavor。Ifyoudoknow[movementofprotestfromPraed]——Ionlysay，ifyouknow，youmightatleastsetmymindatrestabouther。Thefactis，Ifellattracted。
　　PRAED[sternly]Whatdoyoumean？
　　CROFTS。Oh，dontbealarmed：it’squiteaninnocentfeeling。
　　Thatswhatpuzzlesmeaboutit。Why，forallIknow，_I_mightbeherfather。
　　PRAED。You！Impossible！
　　CROFTS[catchinghimupcunningly]YouknowforcertainthatI’mnot？
　　PRAED。Iknownothingaboutit，Itellyou，anymorethanyou。
　　Butreally，Crofts——ohno，it’soutofthequestion。Theresnottheleastresemblance。
　　CROFTS。Astothat，theresnoresemblancebetweenherandhermotherthatIcansee。Isupposeshe’snotyourdaughter，isshe？
　　PRAED[risingindignantly]Really，Crofts——！
　　CROFTS。Nooffence，Praed。Quiteallowableasbetweentwomenoftheworld。
　　PRAED[recoveringhimselfwithaneffortandspeakinggentlyandgravely]Nowlistentome，mydearCrofts。[Hesitsdownagain]。
　　IhavenothingtodowiththatsideofMrsWarren’slife，andneverhad。Shehasneverspokentomeaboutit;andofcourseI
　　haveneverspokentoheraboutit。Yourdelicacywilltellyouthatahandsomewomanneedssomefriendswhoarenot——well，notonthatfootingwithher。Theeffectofherownbeautywouldbecomeatormenttoherifshecouldnotescapefromitoccasionally。YouareprobablyonmuchmoreconfidentialtermswithKittythanIam。Surelyyoucanaskherthequestionyourself。
　　CROFTS。Ihaveaskedher，oftenenough。Butshe’ssodeterminedtokeepthechildalltoherselfthatshewoulddenythatiteverhadafatherifshecould。[Rising]I’mthoroughlyuncomfortableaboutit，Praed。
　　PRAED[risingalso]Well，asyouare，atallevents，oldenoughtobeherfather，IdontmindagreeingthatwebothregardMissVivieinaparentalway，asayounggirlwhoweareboundtoprotectandhelp。Whatdoyousay？
　　CROFTS[aggressively]I’mnoolderthanyou，ifyoucometothat。
　　PRAED。Yesyouare，mydearfellow：youwerebornold。Iwasbornaboy：Iveneverbeenabletofeeltheassuranceofagrown-
　　upmaninmylife。[Hefoldshischairandcarriesittotheporch]。
　　MRSWARREN[callingfromwithinthecottage]Prad-dee！George！
　　Tea-ea-ea-ea！
　　CROFTS[hastily]She’scallingus。[Hehurriesin]。
　　[Praedshakeshisheadbodingly，andisfollowingCroftswhenheishailedbyayounggentlemanwhohasjustappearedonthecommon，andismakingforthegate。Heispleasant，pretty，smartlydressed，cleverlygood-for-nothing，notlongturned20，withacharmingvoiceandagreeablydisrespectfulmanners。Hecarriesalightsportingmagazinerifle。]
　　THEYOUNGGENTLEMAN。Hallo！Praed！
　　PRAED。Why，FrankGardner！[Frankcomesinandshakeshandscordially]。Whatonearthareyoudoinghere？
　　FRANK。Stayingwithmyfather。
　　PRAED。TheRomanfather？
　　FRANK。He’srectorhere。I’mlivingwithmypeoplethisautumnforthesakeofeconomy。ThingscametoacrisisinJuly：theRomanfatherhadtopaymydebts。He’sstonybrokeinconsequence;andsoamI。Whatareyouuptointheseparts？doyouknowthepeoplehere？
　　PRAED。Yes：I’mspendingthedaywithaMissWarren。
　　FRANK[enthusiastically]What！DoyouknowVivie？Isntsheajollygirl？I’mteachinghertoshootwiththis[puttingdowntherifle]。I’msogladsheknowsyou：yourejustthesortoffellowsheoughttoknow。[Hesmiles，andraisesthecharmingvoicealmosttoasingingtoneasheexclaims]It’seversojollytofindyouhere，Praed。
　　PRAED。I’manoldfriendofhermother。MrsWarrenbroughtmeovertomakeherdaughter’sacquaintance。
　　FRANK。Themother！Isshehere？
　　PRAED。Yes：inside，attea。
　　MRSWARREN[callingfromwithin]Prad-dee-ee-ee-eee！Thetea-
　　cake’llbecold。
　　PRAED[calling]Yes，MrsWarren。Inamoment。Ivejustmetafriendhere。
　　MRSWARREN。Awhat？
　　PRAED[louder]Afriend。
　　MRSWARREN。Bringhimin。
　　PRAED。Allright。[ToFrank]Willyouaccepttheinvitation？
　　FRANK[incredulous，butimmenselyamused]IsthatVivie’smother？
　　PRAED。Yes。
　　FRANK。ByJove！Whatalark！Doyouthinkshe’lllikeme？
　　PRAED。Ivenodoubtyoullmakeyourselfpopular，asusual。Comeinandtry[movingtowardsthehouse]。
　　FRANK。Stopabit。[Seriously]Iwanttotakeyouintomyconfidence。
　　PRAED。Praydont。It’sonlysomefreshfolly，likethebarmaidatRedhill。
　　FRANK。It’seversomuchmoreseriousthanthat。YousayyouveonlyjustmetVivieforthefirsttime？
　　PRAED。Yes。
　　FRANK[rhapsodically]Thenyoucanhavenoideawhatagirlsheis。Suchcharacter！Suchsense！Andhercleverness！Oh，myeye，Praed，butIcantellyousheisclever！And——needIadd？——
　　shelovesme。
　　CROFTS[puttinghisheadoutofthewindow]Isay，Praed：whatareyouabout？Docomealong。[Hedisappears]。
　　FRANK。Hallo！Sortofchapthatwouldtakeaprizeatadogshow，ainthe？Who’she？
　　PRAED。SirGeorgeCrofts，anoldfriendofMrsWarren’s。I
　　thinkwehadbettercomein。
　　[Ontheirwaytotheporchtheyareinterruptedbyacallfromthegate。Turning，theyseeanelderlyclergymanlookingoverit。]
　　THECLERGYMAN[calling]Frank！
　　FRANK。Hallo！[ToPraed]TheRomanfather。[Totheclergyman]
　　Yes，gov’nor：allright：presently。[ToPraed]Lookhere，Praed：
　　youdbettergointotea。I’lljoinyoudirectly。
　　PRAED。Verygood。[Hegoesintothecottage]。
　　[Theclergymanremainsoutsidethegate，withhishandsonthetopofit。TheRev。SamuelGardner，abeneficedclergymanoftheEstablishedChurch，isover50。Externallyheispretentious，booming，noisy，important。ReallyheisthatobsolescentphenomenonthefoolofthefamilydumpedontheChurchbyhisfatherthepatron，clamorouslyassertinghimselfasfatherandclergymanwithoutbeingabletocommandrespectineithercapacity。]
　　REV。S。Well，sir。Whoareyourfriendshere，ifImayask？
　　FRANK。Oh，it’sallright，gov’nor！Comein。
　　REV。S。No，sir;notuntilIknowwhosegardenIamentering。
　　FRANK。It’sallright。It’sMissWarren’s。
　　REV。S。Ihavenotseenheratchurchsinceshecame。
　　FRANK。Ofcoursenot：she’sathirdwrangler。Eversointellectual。Tookahigherdegreethanyoudid;sowhyshouldshegotohearyoupreach？
　　REV。S。Dontbedisrespectful，sir。
　　FRANK。Oh，itdontmatter：nobodyhearsus。Comein。[Heopensthegate，unceremoniouslypullinghisfatherwithitintothegarden]。Iwanttointroduceyoutoher。DoyouremembertheadviceyougavemelastJuly，gov’nor？
　　REV。S。[severely]Yes。Iadvisedyoutoconqueryouridlenessandflippancy，andtoworkyourwayintoanhonorableprofessionandliveonitandnotuponme。
　　FRANK。No：thatswhatyouthoughtofafterwards。WhatyouactuallysaidwasthatsinceIhadneitherbrainsnormoney，I’dbetterturnmygoodlookstoaccountbymarryingsomeonewithboth。Well，lookhere。MissWarrenhasbrains：youcantdenythat。
　　REV。S。Brainsarenoteverything。
　　FRANK。No，ofcoursenot：theresthemoney——
　　REV。S。[interruptinghimausterely]Iwasnotthinkingofmoney，sir。Iwasspeakingofhigherthings。Socialposition，forinstance。
　　FRANK。Idontcarearapaboutthat。
　　REV。S。ButIdo，sir。
　　FRANK。Well，nobodywantsyoutomarryher。Anyhow，shehaswhatamountstoahighCambridgedegree;andsheseemstohaveasmuchmoneyasshewants。
　　REV。S。[sinkingintoafeebleveinofhumor]Igreatlydoubtwhethershehasasmuchmoneyasyouwillwant。
　　FRANK。Oh，come：Ihavntbeensoveryextravagant。Iliveeversoquietly;Idontdrink;Idontbetmuch;andInevergoregularlytotherazzle-dazzleasyoudidwhenyouweremyage。
　　REV。S。[boominghollowly]Silence，sir。
　　FRANK。Well，youtoldmeyourself，whenIwasmakingeverysuchanassofmyselfaboutthebarmaidatRedhill，thatyouonceofferedawomanfiftypoundsforthelettersyouwrotetoherwhen——
　　REV。S。[terrified]Sh-sh-sh，Frank，forHeaven’ssake！[HelooksroundapprehensivelySeeingnoonewithinearshotheplucksupcouragetoboomagain，butmoresubduedly]。YouaretakinganungentlemanlyadvantageofwhatIconfidedtoyouforyourowngood，tosaveyoufromanerroryouwouldhaverepentedallyourlifelong。Takewarningbyyourfather’sfollies，sir;
　　anddontmakethemanexcuseforyourown。
　　FRANK。DidyoueverhearthestoryoftheDukeofWellingtonandhisletters？
　　REV。S。No，sir;andIdontwanttohearit。
　　FRANK。TheoldIronDukedidntthrowawayfiftypounds：nothe。
　　Hejustwrote："DearJenny：publishandbedamned！Yoursaffectionately，Wellington。"Thatswhatyoushouldhavedone。
　　REV。S。[piteously]Frank，myboy，：whenIwrotethoselettersI
　　putmyselfintothatwoman’spower。WhenItoldyouaboutthemI
　　putmyself，tosomeextent，Iamsorrytosay，inyourpower。
　　Sherefusedmymoneywiththesewords，whichIshallneverforget。"Knowledgeispower"shesaid;"andIneversellpower。"
　　Thatsmorethantwentyyearsago;andshehasnevermadeuseofherpowerorcausedmeamoment’suneasiness。Youarebehavingworsetomethanshedid，Frank。
　　FRANK。OhyesIdaresay！Didyoueverpreachatherthewayyoupreachatmeeveryday？
　　REV。S。[woundedalmosttotears]Ileaveyou，sir。Youareincorrigible。[Heturnstowardsthegate]。
　　FRANK[utterlyunmoved]TellthemIshantbehometotea，willyou，gov’nor，likeagoodfellow？[HemovestowardsthecottagedoorandismetbyPraedandViviecomingout]。
　　VIVIE[toFrank]Isthatyourfather，Frank？Idosowanttomeethim。
　　FRANK。Certainly。[Callingafterhisfather]Gov’nor。Yourewanted。[Theparsonturnsatthegate，fumblingnervouslyathishat。Praedcrossesthegardentotheoppositeside，beaminginanticipationofcivilities]。Myfather：MissWarren。
　　VIVIE[goingtotheclergymanandshakinghishand]Verygladtoseeyouhere，MrGardner。[Callingtothecottage]Mother：comealong：yourewanted。
　　[MrsWarrenappearsonthethreshold，andisimmediatelytransfixed，recognizingtheclergyman。]
　　VIVIE[continuing]Letmeintroduce——
　　MRSWARREN[swoopingontheReverendSamuel]Whyit’sSamGardner，goneintotheChurch！Well，Inever！Dontyouknowus，Sam？ThisisGeorgeCrofts，aslargeaslifeandtwiceasnatural。Dontyourememberme？
　　REV。S。[veryred]Ireally——er——
　　MRSWARREN。Ofcourseyoudo。Why，Ihaveawholealbumofyourlettersstill：Icameacrossthemonlytheotherday。
　　REV。S。[miserablyconfused]MissVavasour，Ibelieve。
　　MRSWARREN[correctinghimquicklyinaloudwhisper]Tch！
　　Nonsense！MrsWarren：dontyouseemydaughterthere？
　　ACTII
　　[Insidethecottageafternightfall。Lookingeastwardfromwithininsteadofwestwardfromwithout，thelatticedwindow，withitscurtainsdrawn，isnowseeninthemiddleofthefrontwallofthecottage，withtheporchdoortotheleftofit。Intheleft-handsidewallisthedoorleadingtothekitchen。
　　Fartherbackagainstthesamewallisadresserwithacandleandmatchesonit，andFrank’sriflestandingbesidethem，withthebarrelrestingintheplate-rack。Inthecentreatablestandswithalightedlamponit。Vivie’sbooksandwritingmaterialsareonatabletotherightofthewindow，againstthewall。Thefireplaceisontheright，withasettle：thereisnofire。Twoofthechairsaresetrightandleftofthetable。]
　　[Thecottagedooropens，shewingafinestarlitnightwithout;
　　andMrsWarren，hershoulderswrappedinashawlborrowedfromVivie，enters，followedbyFrank，whothrowshiscaponthewindowseat。Shehashadenoughofwalking，andgivesagaspofreliefassheunpinsherhat;takesitoff;sticksthepinthroughthecrown;andputsitonthetable。]
　　MRSWARREN。OLord！Idontknowwhichistheworstofthecountry，thewalkingorthesittingathomewithnothingtodo。
　　Icoulddowithawhiskyandsodanowverywell，ifonlytheyhadsuchathingsinthisplace。
　　FRANK。PerhapsVivie’sgotsome。
　　MRSWARREN。Nonsense！Whatwouldayounggirllikeherbedoingwithsuchthings！Nevermind：itdontmatter。Iwonderhowshepasseshertimehere！I’dagooddealratherbeinVienna。
　　FRANK。Letmetakeyouthere。[Hehelpshertotakeoffhershawl，gallantlygivinghershouldersaveryperceptiblesqueezeashedoesso]。
　　MRSWARREN。Ah！wouldyou？I’mbeginningtothinkyoureachipoftheoldblock。
　　FRANK。Likethegov’nor，eh？[Hehangstheshawlonthenearestchair，andsitsdown]。
　　MRSWARREN。Neveryoumind。Whatdoyouknowaboutsuchthings？
　　Youreonlyaboy。[Shegoestothehearthtobefartherfromtemptation]。
　　FRANK。DocometoViennawithme？It’dbeeversuchlarks。
　　MRSWARREN。No，thankyou。Viennaisnoplaceforyou——atleastnotuntilyourealittleolder。[Shenodsathimtoemphasizethispieceofadvice。Hemakesamock-piteousface，beliedbyhislaughingeyes。Shelooksathim;thencomesbacktohim]。
　　Now，lookhere，littleboy[takinghisfaceinherhandsandturningituptoher]：Iknowyouthroughandthroughbyyourlikenesstoyourfather，betterthanyouknowyourself。Dontyougotakinganysillyideasintoyourheadaboutme。Doyouhear？
　　FRANK[gallantlywooingherwithhisvoice]Canthelpit，mydearMrsWarren：itrunsinthefamily。
　　[Shepretendstoboxhisears;thenlooksattheprettylaughingupturnedfaceofamoment，tempted。Atlastshekisseshim，andimmediatelyturnsaway，outofpatiencewithherself。]
　　MRSWARREN。There！Ishouldnthavedonethat。Iamwicked。
　　Neveryoumind，mydear：it’sonlyamotherlykiss。GoandmakelovetoVivie。
　　FRANK。SoIhave。
　　MRSWARREN[turningonhimwithasharpnoteofalarminhervoice]What！
　　FRANK。VivieandIareeversuchchums。
　　MRSWARREN。Whatdoyoumean？Nowseehere：Iwonthaveanyyoungscamptamperingwithmylittlegirl。Doyouhear？Iwonthaveit。
　　FRANK[quiteunabashed]MydearMrsWarren：dontyoubealarmed。
　　Myintentionsarehonorable：eversohonorable;andyourlittlegirlisjollywellabletotakecareofherself。Shedontneedlookingafterhalfsomuchashermother。Sheaintsohandsome，youknow。
　　MRSWARREN[takenabackbyhisassurance]Well，youhavegotanicehealthytwoinchesofcheekalloveryou。Idontknowwhereyougotit。Notfromyourfather，anyhow。
　　CROFTS[inthegarden]Thegipsies，Isuppose？
　　REV。S。[replying]Thebroomsquiresarefarworse。
　　MRSWARREN[toFrank]S-sh！Remember！youvehadyourwarning。
　　[CroftsandtheReverendSamuelGardnercomeinfromthegarden，theclergymancontinuinghisconversationasheenters。]
　　REV。S。TheperjuryattheWinchesterassizesisdeplorable。
　　MRSWARREN。Well？whatbecameofyoutwo？AndwheresPraddyandVivie？
　　CROFTS[puttinghishatonthesettleandhisstickinthechimneycorner]Theywentupthehill。Wewenttothevillage。
　　Iwantedadrink。[Hesitsdownonthesettle，puttinghislegsupalongtheseat]。
　　MRSWARREN。Well，sheoughtnttogoofflikethatwithouttellingme。[ToFrank]Getyourfatherachair，Frank：whereareyourmanners？[Frankspringsupandgracefullyoffershisfatherhischair;thentakesanotherfromthewallandsitsdownatthetable，inthemiddle，withhisfatheronhisrightandMrsWarrenonhisleft]。George：whereareyougoingtostayto-night？Youcantstayhere。AndwhatsPraddygoingtodo？
　　CROFTS。Gardner’llputmeup。
　　MRSWARREN。Oh，nodoubtyouvetakencareofyourself！ButwhataboutPraddy？
　　CROFTS。Dontknow。Isupposehecansleepattheinn。
　　MRSWARREN。Havntyouroomforhim，Sam？
　　REV。S。Well——er——yousee，asrectorhere，IamnotfreetodoasIlike。Er——whatisMrPraed’ssocialposition？
　　MRSWARREN。Oh，he’sallright：he’sanarchitect。Whatanoldstick-in-the-mudyouare，Sam！
　　FRANK。Yes，it’sallright，gov’nor。HebuiltthatplacedowninWalesfortheDuke。CaernarvonCastletheycallit。Youmusthaveheardofit。[HewinkswithlightningsmartnessatMrsWarren，andregardshisfatherblandly]。
　　REV。S。Oh，inthatcase，ofcourseweshallonlybetoohappy。
　　IsupposeheknowstheDukepersonally。
　　FRANK。Oh，eversointimately！WecanstickhiminGeorgina’soldroom。
　　MRSWARREN。Well，thatssettled。Nowifthosetwowouldonlycomeinandletushavesupper。Theyvenorighttostayoutafterdarklikethis。
　　CROFTS[aggressively]Whatharmaretheydoingyou？
　　MRSWARREN。Well，harmornot，Idontlikeit。
　　FRANK。Betternotwaitforthem，MrsWarren。Praedwillstayoutaslongaspossible。HehasneverknownbeforewhatitistostrayovertheheathonasummernightwithmyVivie。
　　CROFTS[sittingupinsomeconsternation]Isay，youknow！Come！
　　REV。S。[rising，startledoutofhisprofessionalmannerintorealforceandsincerity]Frank，onceandforall，it’soutofthequestion。MrsWarrenwilltellyouthatit’snottobethoughtof。
　　CROFTS。Ofcoursenot。
　　FRANK[withenchantingplacidity]Isthatso，MrsWarren？
　　MRSWARREN[reflectively]Well，Sam，Idontknow。Ifthegirlwantstogetmarried，nogoodcancomeofkeepingherunmarried。
　　REV。S。[astounded]Butmarriedtohim！——yourdaughtertomyson！Onlythink：it’simpossible。
　　CROFTS。Ofcourseit’simpossible。Dontbeafool，Kitty。
　　MRSWARREN[nettled]Whynot？Isntmydaughtergoodenoughforyourson？
　　REV。S。Butsurely，mydearMrsWarren，youknowthereasons——
　　MRSWARREN[defiantly]Iknownoreasons。Ifyouknowany，youcantellthemtothelad，ortothegirl，ortoyourcongregation，ifyoulike。
　　REV。S。[collapsinghelplesslyintohischair]YouknowverywellthatIcouldnttellanyonethereasons。ButmyboywillbelievemewhenItellhimtherearereasons。
　　FRANK。Quiteright，Dad：hewill。Buthasyourboy’sconducteverbeeninfluencedbyyourreasons？
　　CROFTS。Youcantmarryher;andthatsallaboutit。[Hegetsupandstandsonthehearth，withhisbacktothefireplace，frowningdeterminedly]。
　　MRSWARREN[turningonhimsharply]Whathaveyougottodowithit，pray？
　　FRANK[withhisprettiestlyricalcadence]PreciselywhatIwasgoingtoask，myself，inmyowngracefulfashion。
　　CROFTS[toMrsWarren]Isupposeyoudontwanttomarrythegirltoamanyoungerthanherselfandwithouteitheraprofessionortwopencetokeepheron。AskSam，ifyoudontbelieveme。[Totheparson]Howmuchmoremoneyareyougoingtogivehim？
　　REV。S。Notanotherpenny。Hehashadhispatrimony;andhespentthelastofitinJuly。[MrsWarren’sfacefalls]。
　　CROFTS[watchingher]There！Itoldyou。[Heresumeshisplaceonthesettleandputshislegsontheseatagain，asifthematterwerefinallydisposedof]。
　　FRANK[plaintively]Thisiseversomercenary。DoyousupposeMissWarren’sgoingtomarryformoney？Ifweloveoneanother——
　　MRSWARREN。Thankyou。Yourlove’saprettycheapcommodity，mylad。Ifyouhavenomeansofkeepingawife，thatsettlesit;
　　youcanthaveVivie。
　　FRANK[muchamused]Whatdoyousay，gov’nor，eh？
　　REV。S。IagreewithMrsWarren。
　　FRANK。AndgoodoldCroftshasalreadyexpressedhisopinion。
　　CROFTS[turningangrilyonhiselbow]Lookhere：Iwantnoneofyourcheek。
　　FRANK[pointedly]I’meversosorrytosurpriseyou，Crofts;
　　butyouallowedyourselfthelibertyofspeakingtomelikeafatheramomentago。Onefatherisenough，thankyou。
　　CROFTS[contemptuously]Yah！[Heturnsawayagain]。
　　FRANK[rising]MrsWarren：IcannotgivemyVivieup，evenforyoursake。
　　MRSWARREN[muttering]Youngscamp！
　　FRANK[continuing]Andasyounodoubtintendtoholdoutotherprospectstoher，Ishalllosenotimeinplacingmycasebeforeher。[Theystareathim;andhebeginstodeclaimgracefully]Heeitherfearshisfatetoomuch，Orhisdesertsaresmall，Thatdaresnotputittothetouch，Togainorloseitall。
　　[Thecottagedoorsopenwhilstheisreciting;andVivieandPraedcomein。Hebreaksoff。Praedputshishatonthedresser。Thereisanimmediateimprovementinthecompany’sbehavior。CroftstakesdownhislegsfromthesettleandpullshimselftogetherasPraedjoinshimatthefireplace。MrsWarrenloseshereaseofmannerandtakesrefugeinquerulousness。]
　　MRSWARREN。Whereverhaveyoubeen，Vivie？
　　VIVIE[takingoffherhatandthrowingitcarelesslyonthetable]Onthehill。
　　MRSWARREN。Well，youshouldntgoofflikethatwithoutlettingmeknow。HowcouldItellwhathadbecomeofyou？Andnightcomingontoo！
　　VIVIE[goingtothedoorofthekitchenandopeningit，ignoringhermother]Now，aboutsupper？[AllriseexceptMrsWarren]Weshallberathercrowdedinhere，I’mafraid。
　　MRSWARREN。DidyouhearwhatIsaid，Vivie？
　　VIVIE[quietly]Yes，mother。[Revertingtothesupperdifficulty]Howmanyarewe？[Counting]One，two，three，four，five，six。Well，twowillhavetowaituntiltherestaredone：
　　MrsAlisonhasonlyplatesandknivesforfour。
　　PRAED。Oh，itdoesntmatteraboutme。I——
　　VIVIE。Youhavehadalongwalkandarehungry，MrPraed：youshallhaveyoursupperatonce。Icanwaitmyself。Iwantonepersontowaitwithme。Frank：areyouhungry？
　　FRANK。Nottheleastintheworld。Completelyoffmypeck，infact。
　　MRSWARREN[toCrofts]Neitherareyou，George。Youcanwait。
　　CROFTS。Oh，hangit，Iveeatennothingsincetea-time。CantSamdoit？
　　FRANK。Wouldyoustarvemypoorfather？
　　REV。S。[testily]Allowmetospeakformyself，sir。Iamperfectlywillingtowait。
　　VIVIE[decisively]There’snoneed。Onlytwoarewanted。[Sheopensthedoorofthekitchen]。Willyoutakemymotherin，MrGardner。[TheparsontakesMrsWarren;andtheypassintothekitchen。PraedandCroftsfollow。AllexceptPraedclearlydisapproveofthearrangement，butdonotknowhowtoresistit。
　　Viviestandsatthedoorlookinginatthem]。Canyousqueezepasttothatcorner，MrPraed：it’sratheratightfit。Takecareofyourcoatagainstthewhite-wash：thatright。Now，areyouallcomfortable？
　　PRAED[within]Quite，thankyou。
　　MRSWARREN[within]Leavethedooropen，dearie。[Viviefrowns;
　　butFrankchecksherwithagesture，andstealstothecottagedoor，whichhesoftlysetswideopen]。OhLor，whatadraught！
　　Youdbettershutit，dear。
　　[Vivieshutsitwithaslam，andthen，notingwithdisgustthathermother’shatandshawlarelyingabout，takesthemtidilytothewindowseat，whilstFranknoiselesslyshutsthecottagedoor。]
　　FRANK[exulting]Aha！Gotridofem。Well，Vivvums：whatdoyouthinkofmygovernor？
　　VIVIE[preoccupiedandserious]Ivehardlyspokentohim。Hedoesntstrikemeasaparticularlyableperson。
　　FRANK。Well，youknow，theoldmanisnotaltogethersuchafoolashelooks。Yousee，hewasshovedintotheChurch，rather;andintryingtoliveuptoithemakesamuchbiggerassofhimselfthanhereallyis。Idontdislikehimasmuchasyoumightexpect。Hemeanswell。Howdoyouthinkyoullgetonwithhim？
　　VIVIE[rathergrimly]Idontthinkmyfuturelifewillbemuchconcernedwithhim，orwithanyofthatoldcircleofmymother’s，exceptperhapsPraed。[Shesitsdownonthesettle]
　　Whatdoyouthinkofmymother？
　　FRANK。Reallyandtruly？
　　VIVIE。Yes，reallyandtruly。
　　FRANK。Well，she’seversojolly。Butshe’sratheracaution，isntshe？AndCrofts！Oh，myeye，Crofts！[Hesitsbesideher]。