I just
came for a quiet talk with Sir John--Father and Son talking together
quietly--talking about Son's allowance. A thousand a year. What did
you want to come into it for?
(LADY PEMBURY is quiet again now. She wipes away a tear or two, and
sits up, looking at him thoughtfully.)
LADY PEMBURY. So _you_ are the son that I never had.
STRANGER. What d'you mean?
LADY PEMBURY (almost to herself). The son whom I wanted so. Five
girls--never a boy. Let me look at you. (She goes up to him.)
STRANGER (edging away). Here, none of that.
LADY PEMBURY (looking at him earnestly to see if she can see a
likeness). No--and yet--(shaking her head sadly) Poor boy! What an
unhappy life you must have had!
STRANGER. I didn't come here to be pitied. I came to get my rightful
allowance--same as any other son.
LADY PEMBURY (to herself). Poor boy! (She goes back to her seat and
then says) You don't mind my asking you questions _now_, do you?
STRANGER. Go on. There's no mistake about it. I can promise you that.
LADY PEMBURY. How did you find out? Did your Mother tell you?
STRANGER. Never a word. "Don't ask questions, sonny----" "Father's
dead"--all that sort of thing.
LADY PEMBURY. Does Sir John know? Did he ever know?
STRANGER (feeling in his pocket).
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