I hate
quarrelling with Johnny.
MR MARCH. Good! I'll go myself. [He goes out.]
MARY. Mother, this isn't a coal strike; don't discuss it for three hours
and then at the end ask Johnny and the girl to do precisely what you're
asking them to do now.
MRS MARCH. Why should I?
MARY. Because it's so usual. Do fix on half-way at once.
MRS MARCH. There is no half-way.
MARY. Well, for goodness sake think of a plan which will make you both
look victorious. That's always done in the end. Why not let her stay,
and make Johnny promise only to see her in the presence of a third party?
MRS MARCH. Because she'd see him every day while he was looking for the
third party. She'd help him look for it.
MARY. [With a gurgle] Mother, I'd no idea you were so--French.
MRS MARCH. It seems to me you none of you have any idea what I am.
MARY. Well, do remember that there'll be no publicity to make either of
you look small. You can have Peace with Honour, whatever you decide.
[Listening] There they are! Now, Mother, don't be logical! It's so
feminine.
As the door opens, MRS MARCH nervously fortifies herself with the
third little glass of brandy. She remains seated.
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