The Silver Box by John Galsworthy
page 15 of 100 (15%)
page 15 of 100 (15%)
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BARTHWICK. Indeed! [Heavily.] I am a Liberal! Drop the subject, please! MRS. BARTHWICK. Toast? I quite agree with what this man says: Education is simply ruining the lower classes. It unsettles them, and that's the worst thing for us all. I see an enormous difference in the manner of servants. BARTHWICK, [With suspicious emphasis.] I welcome any change that will lead to something better. [He opens a letter.] H'm! This is that affair of Master Jack's again. "High Street, Oxford. Sir, We have received Mr. John Barthwick, Senior's, draft for forty pounds!" Oh! the letter's to him! "We now enclose the cheque you cashed with us, which, as we stated in our previous letter, was not met on presentation at your bank. We are, Sir, yours obediently, Moss and Sons, Tailors." H 'm! [Staring at the cheque.] A pretty business altogether! The boy might have been prosecuted. MRS. BARTHWICK. Come, John, you know Jack did n't mean anything; he only thought he was overdrawing. I still think his bank ought to have cashed that cheque. They must know your position. BARTHWICK. [Replacing in the envelope the letter and the cheque.] Much good that would have done him in a court of law. [He stops as JACK comes in, fastening his waistcoat and staunching a razor cut upon his chin.] JACK. [Sitting down between them, and speaking with an artificial |
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