Fletcher. And who cheated those very people who loved him—that's only what I did. He was no better than I— [Mrs. Wolton makes a movement and an effort to interrupt him.
Marion. [To Mrs. Wolton.] Let him finish, mother. [Holding her back.
Fletcher. He left you both beggars, and robbed his own sister besides.
Mrs. Wolton. It is not true!
Marion. [Not believing him.] How is it, then, that we have everything, everything we could wish for! How is it we have lived in our old home, lived our old life, if we were beggars!
Fletcher. How?—thanks to my money, I've paid for it all! [Marion opens her lips to speak, but cannot; a short pause.
Mrs. Wolton. You! [Marion stops her with her hand on her arm. Marion and Mrs. Wolton cross to sofa.
Fletcher. [Quietly.] It is true! This is my house you're in! [A pause—the two women are stunned, speechless, unable to comprehend and believe, yet unable to contradict. Re-enter Dawson.
Fletcher. Ah! [Relieved, as Dawson is his proof. Dawson, looking from one person to the other, realizes the situation. He looks a little frightened at the two women. An awkward moment's pause.] Question him if you doubt my word.
Marion. My father! Is what he says true? [The women are afraid to question.