TIMBRELL. Shameful! Monstrous!
LEONARD. I thought it the most sensible thing to do. I know it looks bad.
TIMBRELL. He amazes me. I can’t grasp it. What a coward! What an infamous coward! Had you no thought at all for this unfortunate girl? You never thought of any kind of reparation, I suppose? Reparation! By Heaven!—[He stops for a moment, considering and then goes on but with something working in his mind.] Had you no consideration for your Mother—for any of us? Don’t you see—don’t you understand?
LEONARD. I think I see a bit clearer than you do. As to Mary, I didn’t see how I could help her. Frankly, I didn’t. I knew you’d be as decent to her as anyone could. I’ve not a penny. I can’t earn a penny. I’d have written to my mother to explain. It wouldn’t have been pleasant, but less disagreeable for her than this, I think.
EDGAR. How would you go away without a penny?
LEONARD. Never mind. Yes. You shall know. I meant to take some of mother’s housekeeping money. I know where she keeps it.
EDGAR. You’d have stolen it?
LEONARD. I should have written to explain—and to ask for some more.
EDGAR. You’re the limit.