VICAR. No, really: this is most interesting!

MANSON. As a man might know _his own soul_, sir--As they say in
India. His work has been mine, so to speak.

VICAR. Bless me, you will know him better than I do. I have never
seen him since I was quite a little lad.

MARY [with prodigious solemnity]. Just you think, Manson! He's my
uncle--my own father's brother!

[MANSON is now up stage between the two.]

MANSON. _Your_ brother, sir?

VICAR [fervently]. I am grateful to God for it, Manson: he is.

[MANSON regards him calmly for a moment: then he turns inquiringly
towards Mary.]

MANSON. Then--Miss Mary? . . .

VICAR [quickly]. Oh, my niece is the daughter of--of my other
brother.

MANSON. I see: _two_ brothers?

VICAR [shortly]. Yes, yes, I have: I--I had.