Ste. (to Lucy). You stay where you are. Say good-night to him while I've got my eye on you. He can find the front door without your help.
(Lucy and Walter shake hands, R.)
Walter. Good-night.
(Exit Walter, r. A slight pause. Stephen eyes Lucy from head to foot before speaking. Lucy crosses and sits l. of table.)
Ste. (before fire, judicially). It strikes me pretty forcibly I've brought a fool into the world. (Sharply.) How long's this been going on behind my back?
Lucy (with an air of standing up to him). Nothing's gone on behind your back. I told Walter at once he must speak to you.
Ste. Umph! If you'd told me you wanted help to send him about his business there'd have been some sense in it. But you backed him up. You showed, fight. You're getting proud, my girl.
Lucy. I've grown up, father.
Ste. Grown up, have you? All right. If you fancy you're too old to come to me for advice you can do without.
Lucy. You know I want your advice.