[With a half-choked, sudden sob she runs into the hotel.]

HORACE

[turning furiously on PIKE]

I tell you I shall not permit her to throw herself away!

PIKE

Look here, who's the guardian of this girl?

HORACE

A magnificent guardian you are! You [pg 167] came here to protect her from something you thought rotten; now we all know it's rotten, you hand her over!

[Turns with a short, bitter laugh, walks up stage, then comes back.]

By Jove! I shouldn't be surprised if you consent to the settlement, too!