C's. M. (wildly). Take my thumbs for his!
The S. 'Tis not the law—which is a model of lucidity.
Con. (calmly). Sir, you speak well. My thumbs are forfeited, and they alone must pay the penalty.
The S. (with approval). Right! Step with me into the outer hall, and have the business done without delay.
C's. M. (throwing herself between them). Stay! I'm a Councillor—this law was mine! Hereby I do suspend the clause I drew.
The S. You should have drawn it milder.
Con. Must I teach a parent laws were meant to be obeyed? [To Sc.] Lead on, Sir. (To his Mother with cold courtesy.) Madam,—may I trouble you?
[He thrusts her gently aside and passes out with the S.; the door is shut and fastened from without. C's. M. rushes to door which she attempts to force without success.
C's. M. In vain I batter at a senseless door, I'll to the keyhole train my tortured ear. (Listening.) Dead silence!... is it over—or, to come? Hark! was not that the click of meeting shears?... Again! and followed by the sullen thud of thumbs that drop upon linoleum!...
[The door is opened and CONRAD appears, pale but erect,—N.B. The whole of this scene has been compared to one in "La Tosca"—which, however, it exceeds in horror and intensity.