Mother. I knew I couldn't, so I attended to them myself. But I'll just send Tom in here, and let you try your luck with him. [Exit.]
Father. Try my luck, indeed! I flatter myself that I'll soon bring him around. [Stands before fire. Enter Tom, very slowly, hands in pockets.] Good-morning, Tom. [Very pleasantly.]
Tom [mutters]. Morning.
Father. That is no way to speak, my son. Good-morning, Tom.
Tom [a little louder]. Morning.
Father. See here, Tom, we can't have this. Your mother says you haven't been very good.
Tom. Don't care.
Father. Thomas, that is not a respectful way to speak to your father. What do you mean by it, sir? [No answer.] Do you mean to tell me? [Tom is silent, and stands looking down and kicking the leg of a chair.] Go upstairs and stay there until I send for you. [Exit Tom.] This is most extraordinary! What can have got into the child?
[Enter Mother.