Geoffrey. Humph! That incidentally it would undermine the whole institution of marriage, let loose the flood-gates that at present hold immorality in check, doesn’t appear to trouble you. That the law must be altered to press less heavily upon the woman—that the man must be made an equal sharer in the penalty—all that goes without saying. The remedy you propose would be a thousand times worse than the disease.
Annys. And meanwhile? Until you have devised this scheme (there is a note of contempt in her voice) under which escape for the man will be impossible?
Geoffrey. The evil must continue. As other evils have to until the true remedy is found.
Peekin. (He has hurriedly consulted with the others. All have risen—he turns to Geoffrey.) You will not support our demand?
Geoffrey. Support it! Do you mean that you cannot yourselves see that you are holding out an indemnity to every profligate, male and female, throughout the land—that you would be handicapping, in the struggle for existence, every honest man and woman desirous of bringing up their children in honour and in love? Your suggestion is monstrous!
Peekin. (The little man is not without his dignity.) We apologise, Mr. Chilvers, for having taken up your time.
Geoffrey. I am sorry the matter was one offering so little chance of agreement.
Peekin. We will make only one slight further trespass on your kindness. Mrs. Chilvers, if one may judge, would seem to be more in sympathy with our views. Might we—it would be a saving of time and shoe leather (he smiles)—might we take this opportunity of laying our case before her?
Geoffrey. It would be useless.
(A short silence. Annys, with Elizabeth and Phoebe a little behind her, stands right. Lamb, Sigsby, and St. Herbert are behind Geoffrey centre. The Deputation is left.)