ELLIE [very clearly and steadily]. Papa. When Mrs. Hushabye takes
it on herself to explain to you what I think or don't think, shut
your ears tight; and shut your eyes too. Hesione knows nothing
about me: she hasn't the least notion of the sort of person I am,
and never will. I promise you I won't do anything I don't want to
do and mean to do for my own sake.
MAZZINI. You are quite, quite sure?
ELLIE. Quite, quite sure. Now you must go away and leave me to
talk to Mrs Hushabye.
MAZZINI. But I should like to hear. Shall I be in the way?
ELLIE [inexorable]. I had rather talk to her alone.
MAZZINI [affectionately]. Oh, well, I know what a nuisance
parents are, dear. I will be good and go. [He goes to the garden
door]. By the way, do you remember the address of that
professional who woke me up? Don't you think I had better
telegraph to him?
MRS HUSHABYE [moving towards the sofa]. It's too late to
telegraph tonight.
MAZZINI. I suppose so. I do hope he'll wake up in the course of
the night. [He goes out into the garden].
ELLIE [turning vigorously on Hesione the moment her father is out
of the room]. Hesione, what the devil do you mean by making
mischief with my father about Mangan?
MRS HUSHABYE [promptly losing her temper]. Don't you dare speak
to me like that, you little minx.
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