_Matt._ You're either in love with her, or you aren't?
_Lucas._ I can't say I'm exactly in love with her----
_Matt._ Then why are you making love to her?
_Lucas._ Well, she's a jolly good-looking woman, and naturally a chap--naturally--I don't know that I ain't a bit in love with her.
_Matt._ Well, it doesn't much matter. If you aren't in love with her you're a fool to risk a scandal. If you are in love you'll most likely do some silly jacka.s.s thing that will knock your career on the head, eh?
_Lucas._ Well, when you look at it that way----
_Matt._ Look at it that way! Anyhow, she's a married woman, and you're here as a guest--it isn't the right thing to do, is it?
_Lucas._ No, it isn't.
_Matt._ Very well, then, don't do it. Don't do it! Cut it! You will?
_Lucas._ I've got to, I suppose.
_Matt._ Yes, you've got to. You can tell Doll I gave it to you hot and strong, and you're going to clear out, and not see Mrs. Sturgess again----
_Lucas._ Not see her again?
_Matt._ Isn't that what you mean to do?
_Lucas._ Yes, I suppose. I say, what did you see at the dairy windows?
_Matt._ I didn't see anything at all!
_Lucas._ Nothing at all?
_Matt._ I wasn't there!
_Lucas._ Then how----?
_Matt._ Dolly put me up to it. [_Laughs at him._
_Lucas._ Dolly?
DOLLY _enters with a cloak which she throws on sofa._
_Matt._ Ah, Doll----
_Dolly._ [_Looking severely at_ LUCAS.] Have you spoken to him?
_Matt._ Yes, very seriously, extra seriously, and he's going to do the right thing and clear out, aren't you, Lucas?
_Lucas._ [_A little unwillingly._] Yes.
_Matt._ [_Clapping him on the shoulder._] Good chap! Good chap!
_Dolly._ [_Still a little severe._] I'm pleased to hear it. [_To_ LUCAS.] You've behaved in a most scandalous----
_Matt._ He has. I've told him all that. [_Winks at_ DOLLY _to keep her quiet._] And he sees it quite plainly, don't you?
[_Winks at_ LUCAS _to prompt him._
_Dolly._ Then it's quite broken off?
_Matt._ Quite! Isn't it, Lu?
_Lucas._ Yes, I suppose. I should like to say----
_Dolly._ Yes?
_Lucas._ That nothing has taken place which, if rightly looked at, could reflect discredit either upon the lady, or, I hope, upon myself. And secondly, whatever fault there may have been, is entirely mine.
_Matt._ That's satisfactory! It always ought to be the man's fault.
Heaven forbid it should ever be theirs. Good chap! Good chap! [_Patting him._] Dolly, he's behaving splendidly. Now, Lu, good-night.
[DOLLY _rings bell._
_Lucas._ [_Surprised._] Good-night?!
_Dolly._ Good-night, and good-bye! [_Holding out her hand._
_Lucas._ You aren't going to turn me out to-night!
_Dolly._ You said it was quite broken off.
_Lucas._ Yes, but---- [_turns to_ MATT _with appealing gesture._] Uncle, you didn't mean to pack me off like this----
_Matt._ Yes, my boy! Remember the occasion. First day of the New Year.
Take time by the forelock. Off you go!
[_Taking him by the shoulder and trying to get him off._
_Lucas._ [_Resisting._] Oh no! I don't see it in that light at all.
[_Sinks comfortably into arm-chair._
CRIDDLE _appears at door._
_Dolly._ Criddle, please have Captain Wentworth's portmanteau taken to the billiard-room.
_Criddle._ Yes, ma'am.
_Dolly._ He wishes to change there, and please send to the Red Lion and ask them to have Captain Wentworth's horse saddled.