JUDGE. [Almost sternly.] You are condemning, without the slightest evidence. And condemning, remember, an utterly defenceless creature. This girl has a claim on you: were your suspicions justified, she-would still have a claim.
MRS. WESTERN. Indeed!
MRS. BANKET. The nonsense he talks! It's really too silly!
JUDGE. You are extraordinary, you women! You exact such rigid morality from the governess and the housemaid! You're full of excuses when it's one of yourselves!
MRS. BANKET. [Indignantly.] Tom!
JUDGE. Well, that's true—we all know it! And here—I believe every word
Harvey has said.
MRS. WESTERN. [Scarcely believing her ears.] You do!
JUDGE. Because he is a man of honour, and men of honour have their code. Their children's governess … is safe. You will do well to believe it, too. Now, Fanny, we'll go. Be sensible, Alice—I tell you again, Harvey's right; the girl must not be—summarily dismissed: it would be an act of cruel injustice. Good-bye. [He offers to kiss her—she turns away.] As you like. Good-bye, Harvey, old man.
HARVEY. Good-bye, Tom. [They shake hands.] And thank you.
MRS. BANKET. [Kissing MRS. WESTERN.] My poor, dear Alice!