_Tom._
Mossop! The apartments vacated by the Tefferl's. Dare to let 'em without
giving me the preference.
_Mrs. Mossop._
You!
_Tom._
[_Seizing her hands and swinging her round._] I may be wealthy, sweet
Rebecca![_Embracing her._] I may be rich and honored!
_Mrs. Mossop._
Oh, have done! [_Releasing herself._] My lodgers do take such
liberties----
_Tom._
[_At the door, grandly._] Beccy, half a scuttle of coal, to start with.
[_He goes out, leaving the door slightly open._]
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Knocking at the center door._] Miss Trelawny, my dear! Miss Trelawny!
[_The door opens, a few inches._]
_Rose._
[_Looking out._] Why, what a clatter you and Mr. Wrench have been
making-------!
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_Beckoning her mysteriously._] Come here, dear.
_Rose._
[_Closing the center door, and entering the room wonderingly._] Eh?
_Mrs. Mossop._ [_In awe._] Sir William Gower!
_Rose._
Sir William.
_Mrs. Mossop._
Don't be vexed with me. "I'll see if she's at home," I said. "Oh, yes,
woman, Miss Trelawny's at home," said he, and hobbled straight in. I've
shut him in the Telfers' room----
[_There are three distinct raps, with a stick, at the right-hand door._]
_Rose. and Mrs. Mossop._
Oh-h!
_Rose._
[_Faintly._] Open it.
[_Mrs. Mossop opens the door, and Sir William enters. He is feebler,
more decrepit, than when last seen. He wears a plaid about his shoulders
and walks with the aid of a stick._]
_Mrs. Mossop._
[_At the door._] Ah, and a sweet thing Miss Trelawny is----!
_Sir William._
[_Turning to her._] Are you a relative?
_Mrs. Mossop._
No, I am _not_ a relative----!
_Sir William._
Go. [_She departs; he closes the door with the end of his stick. Facing
Rose._] My mind is not commonly a wavering one, Miss Trelawny, but it
has taken me some time--months--to decide upon calling on ye.
_Rose._
Won't you sit down?
_Sir William._
[_After a pause of hesitation, sitting upon the dress-basket._] Ugh!
_Rose._
[_With quiet dignity._] Have we no chairs? Do we lack chairs here, Sir
William?
[_He gives her a quick, keen look, then rises and walks to the fire._]
_Sir William._
[_Suddenly, bringing his stick down upon the table with violence._] My
grandson! my grandson! where is he?
_Rose._
Arthur!
_Sir William._