“Thank you,” said Ben, feeling drawn to the kindly old lady.
“My mother was brought up a Quaker,” explained Mr. Wilkinson, “and keeps up the Quaker speech. I have fallen away from it, but I have a great respect for my mother’s church, or rather meeting.”
“Thee is very young for an actor, Benjamin,” said Mrs. Wilkins.
“Yes,” answered Ben, “but I can hardly call myself an actor yet. Your son is going to make me one.”
“I am afraid thee is ill advised, John,” said the old lady. “An actor’s life is full of temptation.”
“True, mother, but Ben is a good boy, and I am sure he will resist temptation.”
“I hope so indeed, John.”
“My mother is hardly reconciled to my writing plays, Ben,” remarked John Wilkins. “I cannot induce her to go to the theater and see my piece.”
“I judge not others,” said Mrs. Wilkins, “but I have never been to the playhouse, and I am too old to change.”
“Still you will wish me success, mother!”