Mr. Freeman: Stop that noise! Is your sister’s shame a laughing matter to you?
John (dangerously): Shame?!
Mr. Freeman: Yes; that’s what I said—shame. It’s time there was a little plain-speaking in this house!! I don’t know what’s come over you; both of you. You think you can treat us just as you like; push us on one side; me, and your mother, and the family; the traditions; trample on everything we hold sacred. You can’t.
[The two stand silent, while he looses his wrath against them. To John:
You think you can break faith just as you will: you can’t; you throw over the girl you’ve been engaged to since you were children; and the same with the business; and never a word ’till this afternoon ... and now this ... this cruel, insane, folly of Gwen’s. A cruel, thoughtless, insane wickedness that I never thought I should find in a child of mine. Have you no thought for others—either of you? No consideration? (To John.) You’re lazy; that’s what’s the matter with you. No aim in life. No desire to get on. Dog lazy. And you. (He turns on his daughter.) You’re worse. Are you mad? or are you wanton? You seem to have no thought but for your own pleasure——
John (going off suddenly, like a bomb): Be QUIET!!!!
Mr. Freeman: What the devil?
John: I shall lose my temper in a moment.
Mr. Freeman: Lose your temper?
John: Yes. I have lost it. I’ve lost it now!! How dare you talk like that? How dare you?!?!