But ... but doesn’t John know his father is dead?

Mrs. Wharton.

No, not yet.

Sylvia.

Didn’t you call him?

Mrs. Wharton.

I had no idea the end was so near. George wanted to be alone with me, Sylvia. We’d been married for thirty-five years, you see. He was conscious almost to the last. He died quite suddenly, like a child going to sleep.

Sylvia.

It’s such a terrible loss. You poor dear, you must be quite heart-broken.

Mrs. Wharton.