69
N. [_Conciliatorily._] Ask Tom, ask any one--
HARVEY. [_More and more passionately._] I tell you, I can't let her go!
MRS. WESTERN. Be sensible, Harvey--you must realise yourself there's no alternative--
HARVEY. [_With a violent and uncontrollable outburst._] I vow and declare to you--if she goes, I go too! And the consequences will be on your head!
[MRS. WESTERN _has also risen--they stand face to face, looking at each other--and for a moment there is silence. The door opens, and_ MISS FARREN _comes in, dressed as before. She walks straight to_ MRS. WESTERN.
MISS FARREN. Mrs. Western, my things are packed, and on the cab--
HARVEY. [_Wildly._] My poor child, you're not to go--I told you.
MISS FARREN. [_With a demure glance at him, stopping him as he is moving towards her._] Of course I must--I can't stay here--that's not possible. My sister will take me in for to-night.
MRS. WESTERN. Miss Farren, my husband has explained to me--I withdraw all--
MISS FARREN. [_Carelessly._] Oh, that's all right--though thank you all the same. And it really doesn't matter much. I was going to give notice to-morrow anyway--
HARVEY. [_Starting violently._] What!
MISS FARREN. Well, I put it off as long as I could, Mr. Western, because ... But the fact is I'm going on the stage--musical comedy--
HARVEY. [_Breathless, staggering back._] You--are--going--
MISS FARREN. I've accepted an engagement--oh, I'm only to be a show-girl at first--but they believe I'll do well. They've been wanting me some time. And my _fiancé_ has persuaded me.
HARVEY. [_Collapsing utterly, dropping into the chair by the fire._] Your--
MISS FARREN. [_Gravely._] My _fiancé_--yes. He's one of the comic men there.
MRS. WESTERN. [_Who has been watching them both with an unmoved face._] I'll write a cheque for your salary, Miss Farren.
[_She goes to the desk at back._
MISS FARREN. [_Coquettishly, to_ HARVEY.] I ought to ha