MRS. DUDGEON.
A very good way to put God’s truth. It was every penny my own. Fifty-two pounds a year!
HAWKINS.
“And I recommend her for her goodness and piety to the forgiving care of her children, having stood between them and her as far as I could to the best of my ability.”
MRS. DUDGEON.
And this is my reward! (raging inwardly) You know what I think, Mr. Anderson you know the word I gave to it.
ANDERSON.
It cannot be helped, Mrs. Dudgeon. We must take what comes to us. (To Hawkins.) Go on, sir.
HAWKINS.
“I give and bequeath my house at Websterbridge with the land belonging to it and all the rest of my property soever to my eldest son and heir, Richard Dudgeon.”
RICHARD.
Oho! The fatted calf, Minister, the fatted calf.
HAWKINS.
“On these conditions—”
RICHARD.
The devil! Are there conditions?
HAWKINS.
“To wit: first, that he shall not let my brother Peter’s natural child starve or be driven by want to an evil life.”
RICHARD.
(emphatically, striking his fist on the table). Agreed.