TANNER. Besides, my friend, you are not putting the situation fairly before them.
RAMSDEN. [sulkily] Put it yourself, then.
TANNER. I will. Ann: Ramsden thinks I am not fit be your guardian; and I quite agree with him. He considers that if your father had read my book, he wouldn't have appointed me. That book is the disgraceful action he has been talking about. He thinks it's your duty for Rhoda's sake to ask him to act alone and to make me withdraw. Say the word and I will.
ANN. But I haven't read your book, Jack.
TANNER. [diving at the waste-paper basket and fishing the book out for her] Then read it at once and decide.
RAMSDEN. If I am to be your guardian, I positively forbid you to read that book, Annie. [He smites the table with his fist and rises].
ANN. Of course, if you don't wish it. [She puts the book on the table].
TANNER. If one guardian is to forbid you to read the other guardian's book, how are we to settle it? Suppose I order you to read it! What about your duty to me?
ANN. [gently] I am sure you would never purposely force me into a painful dilemma, Jack.
RAMSDEN. [irritably] Yes, yes, Annie: this is all very well, and, as I said, quite natural and becoming. But you must make a choice one way or the other. We are as much in a dilemma as you.