Lady B. Speak, child—how much do you know?
Elfie. All!
[Chord. Lady B. collapses on chair.
Lady B. (with an effort). And now, Elfie, that you know, you scorn and hate your poor old Grandmother—is it not so?
Elfie. It is wrong to hate one's Grandmother, whatever she does. At first, when I heard, I was very, very sorry. I did think it was most unkind of you. But now, oh, I can't believe that you had not some good, wise motive, in acting as you did!
Lady B. (in conscience-stricken aside). Even this cannot shatter her artless faith ... Oh, wretch, wretch!
[Covers her face.
Monks. Motive—I believe you there, Missie. Why, she went and insured all their lives aforehand, she did.
Lady B. Monkshood, in pity hold your peace!
Elfie (her face beaming). I knew it—I was sure of it! Oh, Granny, my dear, kind old Granny, you insured their lives first, so that no real harm could possibly happen to them—oh, I am so happy!