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CHARACTERS

ROBERT CRAWSHAW, M.P.
MARGARET CRAWSHAW (his wife).
VIOLA CRAWSHAW (his daughter).
RICHARD MERITON, M.P.
DENIS CLIFTON.

A Two-Act version of this play was produced by Mr. Dion Boucicault at the New Theatre on April 7, 1917, with the following cast:

Robert Crawshaw–NIGEL PLAYFAIR.
Margaret Crawshaw–HELEN HAYE.
Viola Crawshaw–PEGGY KURTON.
Richard Meriton–MARTIN LEWIS.
Denis Clifton–DION BOUCICAULT.
Lancelot Dodd–BERTRAM SIEMS.

[SCENE.–ROBERT CRAWSHAW’S town house. Morning.]

CLIFTON
. (looking in surprise from her to him). You don’t mean–

RICHARD
. Yes; and I’m taking the money after all, Mr. Clifton.

CLIFTON
. Dear me, what a situation! (Thoughtfully to himself) I wonder how a rough scenario would strike the managers.

RICHARD
. Poor Mr. Clifton!

CLIFTON
. Why poor?

RICHARD
. You missed all the best part. You didn’t hear what I said to Crawshaw about money before you came.

CLIFTON
(thoughtfully). Oh I was it very–(Brightening up) But I expect Uncle Antony heard. (After a pause) Well, I must be getting on. I wonder if you’ve noticed any important papers lying about, in connection with the Great Missenden Canal Company–a most intricate case, in which my clerk and I–(He has murmured himself across to the fireplace, and the fragments of his important case suddenly catch his eye. He picks up one of the fragments.) Ah, yes. Well, I shall tell my clerk that we lost the case. He will be sorry. He had got quite fond of that canal. (He turns to go, but first says to MERITON) So you’re taking the money, Mr. Meriton?

RICHARD
. Yes.

CLIFTON
. And Mr. Crawshaw too?

RICHARD
. Yes.

CLIFTON
(to himself as he goes out). They are both taking it. (He stops and looks up to UNCLE ANTONY with a smile.) Good old Uncle Antony–he knew–he knew! (MERITON stands watching him as he goes.)