booth. My own opinion is, Beatrice and Hugh, that you don't realise the meaning of the word marriage. I don't call myself a religious man . . but dash it all, you were married in church! . . And you then entered upon an awful compact! . . Surely . . as a woman, Beatrice . . the religious point of it ought to appeal to you. Good Lord, suppose everybody were to carry on like this! And have you considered, Beatrice, that . . whether you're right or whether you're wrong . . if you desert Hugh, you cut yourself off from the Family.
beatrice. [with the sweetest of smiles.] That will distress me terribly.
booth. [not doubting her for a moment.] Of course.
hugh flings up his head and finds relief at last in many words.
hugh. I wish to Heaven I'd ever been able to cut myself off from the family! Look at Trenchard.
booth. [gobbling a little at this unexpected attack.] I do not forgive Trenchard for quarreling with and deserting our father.
hugh. Trenchard quarreled because that was his only way of escape.
booth. Escape from what?
hugh. From tyranny! . . from hypocrisy! . . from boredom! . . from his Happy English Home!
beatrice. [kindly.] Hugh . . Hugh . . it's no use.