edward shakes his head, treating these paradoxes as they deserve.
edward. Alice . . one or two of them will be beggared.
alice. [sincerely.] Yes, that is serious. What's to be done?
edward. There's old nurse . . with her poor little savings gone!
alice. Surely those can be spared her?
edward. The Law's no respecter of persons . . that's its boast. Old Booth with more than he wants will keep enough. My old nurse, with just enough, may starve. But it'll be a relief to clear out this nest of lies, even though one suffers one's self. I've been ashamed to walk into that office, Alice . . I'll hold my head high in prison though.
He shakes himself stiffly erect, his chin high. alice quizzes him.
alice. Edward, I'm afraid you're feeling heroic.
edward. I!
alice. Don't be so proud of your misfortune. You looked quite like Booth for the moment. [this effectually removes the starch.] It will be very stupid to send you to prison and you must do your best to keep out. [she goes on very practically.] We were discussing if anything could be done for these one or two people who'll be beggared.