JACK (sympathetically). You were in a hole.
AUSTIN. A man can never tell beforehand what he'll do in a tight corner, but he can be ashamed afterwards if he's done the wrong thing. And I'm—I'm trying now to snatch some rags of self-respect. Won't you help me, Mrs. Metherell?
MRS. METHERELL (graciously). Well, maybe a drowning man can't be particular what straw he clutches at. What can I do?
AUSTIN. Jack was the straw I clutched. I tempted him, and, to his honour and my own dishonour, he withstood me. But I owe him reparation, and I want to pay. If I can see these two young people happy, I shan't feel utterly debased. I shall have rescued from the wreck enough to give me back my soul.
MRS. METHERELL (hardening again). That's a grand high way to talk about a bit of conscience-money.
AUSTIN (humbly). Yes, call it conscience-money if you like, although I have no money now, and money won't buy me back my peace of mind. I'm going to do the one thing in my power to right the wrong I did to Jack this afternoon. I'm going to put this marriage through.
MRS. METHERELL (ironically). Oh? What marriage may that be?
AUSTIN. Don't you know?
ELSIE. Of course she knows.
AUSTIN. Then that's all right, and a load's gone off my mind.