Scene I.—Mrs. Langdon and Mr. Sherwood.
Mr. Sherwood. No, madam; I have come to bid you adieu. It is impossible. I cannot, I will not stay here another day.
Mrs. Langdon. But, Mr. Sherwood, listen a moment!
Mr. S. No! I have made up my mind! I am tired of losing my time and pains with Edward!
Mrs. L. Please have a little patience. Try him once more.
Mr. S. He has already abused my patience beyond all bounds. He is wilful, ungrateful, idle, and stupid; and all the blame will fall on me, whom you have employed to educate him.
Mrs. L. Can you believe that I would blame you, who have been so kind to my son? Remember, that when my husband died, you promised me to devote yourself to my fatherless boy. Will you leave your work undone? He has talents, a good heart—
Mr. S. No, madam; you deceive yourself. His heart is bad; his character unamiable; he is proud, vain, selfish, wicked.
Mrs. L. What! wicked!