Conrad (watching street). Still there! For full an hour he has not budged
Beyond the circle of yon lamp-post's rays!
The gaslight falls upon his crimson hose,
And makes a steely glitter at his thigh,
While from the shadow peers a hatchet-face
And fixes sinister malignant eyes—
On whom? (Shuddering.) I dare not trust myself to guess
And yet—ah, no—it cannot be myself!
I am so young—one is still young at six!—
What man can say that I have injured him?
Since, in my Mother's absence all the day
Engaged upon Municipal affairs,
I peacefully beguile the weary hours
By suction of consolatory thumbs.
[Here he inserts his thumb in his mouth, but almost instantly removes it with a start.
Again I meet those eyes! I'll look no more—
But draw the blind and shut my terror out.
[Draws blind and lights candle; Stage lightens.
Heigho, I wish my Mother were at home!
(Listening.) At last! I hear her latch-key in the door!
[Enter Conrad's Mother, a lady of strong-minded appearance, rationally attired. She carries a large reticule full of documents.
Conrad's M. Would, Conrad, that you were of riper years,
So you might share your Mother's joy to-day,
The day that crowns her long and arduous toil
As one of London's County Councillors!
Conrad. Nay, speak; for though my mind be immature,
One topic still can charm my infant ear,
That ever craves the oft-repeated tale.
I love to hear of that august assembly
[His Mother lifts her bonnet solemnly.
In which my Mother's honoured voice is raised!