situation

in life is so definitely beneath his own, is quite beyond me."

"Why, you hypocrite," reproached Edgar, pausing briefly in his

eating
and showing some amusement, which only increased his friend's
anger.
"There is no one who likes the theatre more than you do.
Come--admit
it?"

William chose to disregard his friend's question as he turned

and
scowled at him.

"I have been away from England too long, Edgar. It would
appear not
only my sister but also my brother have been allowed far too
much
liberty. He has to learn he cannot live any way he likes. Oh,
he has
good qualities, that I grant. He is intelligent and does not
lack
common sense but he is headstrong and has a tendency to resist
authority--which at times makes him reckless and
irresponsible."

"Good heavens! I see nothing wrong in your brother enjoying

the
favours of an actress, if they are freely given. He is only
involved
in a romantic liason with the girl. Where is the harm in that,
pray?
It's not as if he were planning on marrying her."

"And how can I be certain of that? These actresses exhibit

themselves
shamelessly for money, cavorting with every male member of the
audience. The vulgarity of their profession bars them from any
respectability. No doubt to hook a gentleman of my brother's
calibre
from the audience is the grand finale of the show."

His words had an aggressive ring to-them and, turning suddenly,