Landed Gentry: A Comedy in Four Acts

by W. Somerset Maugham

Grace.

My dear, I’m so dreadfully sorry for you.

Peggy.

It’s so ’ard on me, mum, and so ’ard on father. Wasn’t there something more you could do, mum?

Grace.

[With a little gasp of anguish.] I did all I could. I couldn’t do anything more. I couldn’t really.... [Almost to herself.] It’s too much to ask anyone.

Peggy.

I’ve got to go then, and there’s an end of it. You won’t let father be turned away, will you, mum? That’s all I care about now. It ’ud just break his ’eart.

Grace.

[With a ray of hope.] D’you think he’ll let you go? I think it’s the best thing after all, Peggy. I’ve done—I’ve done all I could.