A Family Man

"[...] BUILDER. [Smiling] Six weeks ago; but, dash it, one can't have done with one's own daughter. That's the weakness of an Englishman; he can't keep up his resentments. In a town like this it doesn't do to have her living by herself. One of these days it'll get out we've had a row. That wouldn't do me any good. MRS BUILDER. I see. BUILDER. Besides, I miss her. Maud's so self-absorbed. It makes a big hole in the family, Julia. You've got her address, haven't you? MRS BUILDER. Yes. [Very still] But do you think it's dignified, John? BUILDER. [Genially] Oh, hang dignity! I rather pride myself on knowing when to stand on my dignity and when to sit on it. If she's still crazy about Art, she can live at home, and go out to study. MRS BUILDER. Her craze was for liberty. BUILDER. A few weeks' discomfort soon cures that. She can't live on her pittance. She'll have found that out by now. Get your things on and come with me at twelve o'clock. MRS BUILDER. I think you'll regret it. She'll refuse. BUILDER. Not if I'm nice to her. A child could play with me to-day. Shall I tell you a secret, Julia?[...]."