ACT II]
MRS. HOLROYD
37
- I ’m going to show thee. (He lurches at her threateningly; she recoils)
Blackmore (seizing him by the arm)
- Here, here,—! Come and sit down and be quiet.
Holroyd (snarling at him)
- What?—What? An’ what’s thäigh got ter do wi’ it? (Shouting) What ’s thäigh got ter do wi’ it?
Blackmore
- Nothing—nothing; but it ’s getting late, and you want your supper.
Holroyd (shouting)
- I want nöwt. I ’m allowed nöwt in this ’ouse. (Shouting louder) ’Er begrudges me ivry morsel I ha’e.
Mrs. Holroyd
- Oh, what a story!
Holroyd (shouting)
- It ’s the truth, an’ you know it.
Blackmore (conciliatory)
- You ’ll rouse the children. You ’ll rouse the children, at this hour.
Holroyd (suddenly quiet)
- Not me—not if I know it. I shan’t disturb ’em—bless ’em.
- [He staggers to his armchair and sits heavily.
Blackmore
- Shall I light the lamp?
Mrs. Holroyd
- No, don’t trouble. Don’t stay any longer, there ’s no need.
Blackmore (quietly)
- I ’ll just see it ’s all right.
- [He proceeds in silence to light the lamp. Holroyd is seen dropping forward in his chair. He has a cut
