alice. [her voice falling lovingly.] I know that.
edward. Mother's not very upset.
alice. She had expected a smash in his life time.
edward. I'm glad that didn't happen.
alice. Yes . . as the fault was his it won't hurt you so much to stand up to the blame.
edward looks puzzled at this for a moment, then gives it up.
edward. I'm hurt enough now.
alice. Why, what have the boys done? It was a mercy to tell Honor just at this time. She can grieve for his death and his disgrace at the same time . . and the one grief lessens the other perhaps.
edward. Oh, they're all shocked enough at the disgrace . . but will they open their purses to lessen the disgrace?
alice. Will it seem less disgraceful to have stolen ten thousand pounds than twenty?