the new sort of graining . . . why,
it all reminds one of the French Revolution." After one or two
dissociations of this sort, the expected Morris Carleon enters through
the French window; he is rather young and excitable, and America has
overlaid the original Irishman. Morris immediately asks for Patricia and
is told that she is wandering in the garden. The Duke lets out that she
sees fairies; Morris raves a bit about his sister being allowed out
alone with anything in the nature of a man, when Patricia herself
enters. She is in a slightly exalted state; she has just seen her fairy,
him of the pointed hood. Morris, of course, is furious, not to say
suspicious.

DOCTOR. [_Putting his hand on_ MORRIS'S
_shoulder._] Come, you must allow a little more
for poetry. We can't all feed on nothing but
petrol.

DUKE. Quite right, quite right. And being Irish,
don't you know, Celtic, as old Buffle used to say,
charming songs, you know, about the Irish girl who
has a plaid shawl--and a Banshee. [_Sighs
profoundly._] Poor old Gladstone! [_Silence._]

SMITH. [_Speaking to_ DOCTOR.] I thought you
yourself considered the family superstition bad
for the health?

DOCTOR. I consider a family superstition is better
for the health than a family quarrel.

A figure is seen to stand in front of the red lamp, blotting it out for
a moment. Patricia calls to it, and the cloaked Stranger with the
pointed hood enters. Morris at once calls him a fraud.

SMITH. [_Quickly._] Pardon me, I do not fancy that
we know that. . . .

MORRIS. I didn't know you parsons stuck up for any
fables but your own.

SMITH. I stick up for the thing every man has a
right to. Perhaps the only thing every man has a
right to.

MORRIS. And what is that?

SMITH. The benefit of the doubt.

Morris returns to the attack. The Stranger throws off his hood and
reveals himself to the Duke. He is the Conjuror, ready for the evening's
performance. All laugh at this _denouement_, except Patricia, between
whom and the Conjuror this bit of dialogue ensues:

STRANGER. [_Very sadly._] I am very sorry I am not
a wizard.

PATRICIA. I wish you were a thief instead.

STRANGER. Have I committed a worse crime