_ Thou minion of a meddling tyranny, go
exercise thy loathsome trade elsewhere!
_The S. (civilly)._ I've duties here that must be first performed.
_C's. M. (wildly)._ Take my thumbs for his!
_The S._ 'Tis not the law--which is a model of lucidity.
_Con. (calmly)._ Sir, you speak well. My thumbs are forfeited, and
they alone must pay the penalty.
_The S. (with approval)._ Right! Step with me into the outer hall, and
have the business done without delay.
_C's. M. (throwing herself between them)._ Stay! I'm a
Councillor--this law was _mine!_ Hereby I do suspend the clause I
drew.
_The S._ You should have drawn it milder.
_Con._ Must I teach a parent laws were meant to be obeyed? [_To_ Sc.]
Lead on, Sir. _(To his_ Mother _with cold courtesy.)_ Madam,--may I
trouble you?
_[He thrusts her gently aside and passes out with the_ S.; _the door
is shut and fastened from without._ C's. M. _rushes to door which she
attempts to force without success._
_C's. M._ In vain I batter at a senseless door, I'll to the keyhole
train my tortured ear. _(Listening.)_ Dead silence!... is it over--or,
to come? Hark! was not that the click of meeting shears?... Again! and
followed by the sullen thud of thumbs that drop upon linoleum!.
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