mr. george booth. That you and your father . . you, whom he baptised . . should have robbed him! I never saw a man so utterly prostrate with grief. That it should have been your father! And his poor wife! . . though she never got on with your father.
edward. [with cheerful irony.] Oh, Mrs. Colpus knows too, does she?
mr. george booth. Of course he told Mrs. Colpus. This is an unfortunate time for the storm to break on him. What with Christmas Day and Sunday following so close they're as busy as can be. He has resolved that during this season of peace and goodwill he must put the matter from him if he can. But once Christmas is over . . ! [he envisages the Christian old vicar giving edward a hell of a time then.]
edward. [coolly.] So I conclude you mean to prosecute. For if you don't, you've given the Colpuses a lot of unnecessary pain . . and inflicted a certain amount of loss by telling them.
mr. george booth. [naïvely.] I never thought of that. No, Edward, I have decided not to prosecute.
edward hides his face for a moment.
edward. And I've been hoping to escape! Well . . it can't be helped [and he sets his teeth.]
mr. george booth. [with touching solemnity.] I think I could not bear to see the family I have loved brought to such disgrace.
edward. So you'll compound my felony?