oard and gets crockery.)

CARVE. And so these are my two sons! They show little emotion in
beholding the author of their being for the first time. As for me, I
hardly recognise them.

MRS. S. And is it likely, seeing they were born six months after you
deserted me, Albert?

CARVE. I see. If it isn't indiscreet, am I a grandfather?

JAMES. (Toasting.) No, sir.

CARVE. I only wanted to know the worst. Silly joke about the fertility
of curates--you've met with it, no doubt!

JAMES. Your tone is simply lamentable, sir.

JANET. (To JAMES.) Mind! You can do the other side. Now, take care;
the fire's very hot. (In the same mild tone to MRS. SHAWN.) Twenty-six
years, you say?

MRS. S. Yes. Albert was twenty-two then, weren't you, Albert?

CARVE. Undoubtedly.

JANET. And how did you come to find us out at last?

MRS. S. It was through an advertisement put in the paper by that Mr.
Texel--him that's in this law case--offering a reward for information
about a Mr. Albert Shawn who'd been valet to that artist man that died.

JANET. Oh! So Mr. Texel has been advertising, has he? (Giving a cup of
tea to JOHN SHAWN.)

MRS. S. Yes, for anybody that knew Albert Shawn when he was young.
"Albert Shawn," I says, "that's my husband's name." I'd been told he'd
gone off in service with a painter or something of that kind. I married
him as a valet.

JANET. (Pouring out tea.) A valet?

MRS. S. A valet, ma'am.... And the struggle I've had to bring up my
children. (Whimpering.)

JAMES. Now, mother!

JANET. (Stopping JAMES.) That will do now! Give it me. (Taking toast
and fork.) Here's some tea. Now don't pretend you've never seen a cup
of tea before--you a curate!

(JAMES accepts tea.)

MRS. S. Yes, they would go into the church, both of them! I don't know
how we've managed it, but managed it we have, surplices and all. And
very happy they were, I'm sure. And now there's this dreadful scandal.
Oh, Albert, you might at least have changed your name! I--I----
(Partially breaks down.)

JOHN. Mother, I beg----(MRS. SHAWN breaks down entirely.) Mother, I
absolutely insist. You know you promised not to speak at all except in
answer to questions.

JAMES. I think, mother, you really might try----

JOHN. Leave her to me! Now, mother!

(Loud double knock off.)

JANET. (To JOHN SHAWN.) There's the post! Just go and bring me the
letters in, will you? (JOHN hesitates?) You'll find them scattered
about the floor in the