SCENE--_Exterior of a Board School. Enter R. and L.
well-meaning Philanthropist and long-headed Artisan. They
greet one another with differing degrees of cordiality._
_Philanthropist_ (_heartily_). Ah, my good friend, and how are you
taking advantage of this great boon--the enormous privilege of free
education?
_Artisan_ (_doggedly_). By not sending my lad to school.
_Phil._ (_with pained astonishment_). You surprise me.
_Art._ I don't see why I should. I'm only following SAWNIE's lead.
It's what they did in Scotland. They gave _them_ free education, and
that's the way to read it, and a good way too!
_Phil._ Well, at least you ought to be grateful.
_Art._ Grateful! Grateful for what?
_Phil._ Why, for free education--for education, you know, that costs
you nought.
_Art._ Oh, it costs nought, does it? Then thank you for nothing!
[_Exeunt--in very different directions!_
* * * * *