CUSINS. He doesn't now. He only sat there and completed the wreck of my moral basis, the rout of my convictions, the purchase of my soul. He cares for you, Barbara. That is what makes him so dangerous to me.
BARBARA. That has nothing to do with it, Dolly. There are larger loves and diviner dreams than the fireside ones. You know that, don't you?
CUSINS. Yes: that is our understanding. I know it. I hold to it. Unless he can win me on that holier ground he may amuse me for a while; but he can get no deeper hold, strong as he is.
BARBARA. Keep to that; and the end will be right. Now tell me what happened at the meeting?
CUSINS. It was an amazing meeting. Mrs Baines almost died of emotion. Jenny Hill went stark mad with hysteria. The Prince of Darkness played his trombone like a madman: its brazen roarings were like the laughter of the damned. 117 conversions took place then and there. They prayed with the most touching sincerity and gratitude for Bodger, and for the anonymous donor of the 5000 pounds. Your father would not let his name be given.
LOMAX. That was rather fine of the old man, you know. Most chaps would have wanted the advertisement.
CUSINS. He said all the charitable institutions would be down on him like kites on a battle field if he gave his name.
LADY BRITOMART. That's Andrew all over. He never does a proper thing without giving an improper reason for it.
CUSINS. He convinced me that I have all my life been doing improper things for proper reasons.
LADY BRITOMART. Adolphus: now that Barbara has left the Salvation Army, you had better leave it too. I will not have you playing that drum in the streets.