(_Comes to the door forward left_)

O do shut up, Mother.

(_Donald Egerton comes in, putting on his overcoat_)

MRS. EGERTON.

(_Following him_)

Remember, Donald, he's our son.

GEORGE EGERTON.

Always defending him! You make me sick.

MRS. EGERTON.

You've always said you never in your life Lost hold upon yourself.

GLADYS EGERTON.

No dance to-night.

EGERTON.

(_To the Butler_)

Tell Jack to bring the car to the front door.

(_The Butler goes out centre right_)

GEORGE EGERTON.

Wait, father, till I get my----

(_Starts for the room forward left_)

MRS. EGERTON.

If he's done it-- He has some reason, Donald. And you know Jergens has never liked him.

(_Harry Egerton comes in right rear, his hat and shoulders covered with snow_)

MRS. EGERTON.

Harry! Harry!

(_She hurries to him and embraces him_)

HARRY EGERTON.

Mother!

MRS. EGERTON.

My son!

HARRY EGERTON.

I'm sorry.

(_George Egerton reappears_)

GLADYS EGERTON.

I just hate you!

You selfish thing! See what you've done!

HARRY EGERTON.

I'm sorry.

GEORGE EGERTON.

(_With a sneer_)

He's very sorry, sister.

EGERTON.

A pretty son!

HARRY EGERTON.

I hadn't the least intention, father----

GEORGE EGERTON.

d.a.m.n you!

HARRY EGERTON.

Who 'phoned it in?

MRS. EGERTON.

What is it you've done, Harry?