His quiet self-possession seemed to disconcert her a little. She was prepared for indignant denial, or angry remonstrance even; but this calm self-possession was something almost new to her. True, he had always been calm and philosophical, like his father; but this was something deeper and stronger than she had yet known in him.
“The fact is, mother,” he went on after a pause, “you have run away with a totally wrong idea of Miss Vivian. If she were the sort of actress you picture, you might perhaps be anxious; but all the same I think you might have given me credit for rather better taste.”
“My dear, an actress is an actress—and everyone knows what that is; and the mere fact of her calling, or whatever you like to name it, is sufficient to seriously hurt your position.”
He smiled a little.
“I dispute the dictum that everyone knows whant an actress is, in the sweeping sense you mean. I do not think you know, for one. I shall have to try and persuade Miss Vivian to come and see you.”
“Indeed I hope you will do no such thing.”
Again he smiled.
“In any case I should not succeed. She is very proud, and would resent patronage even more than you.”
Mrs. Hermon gave a significant sniff of incredulity, but she only said:
“Well, Alymer dear, you will give me a promise not to see her any more—won’t you?”