177 
 
 
 
 
 
ACT I 
 
GRANDFATHER sunk in melancholy in his arm-chair ; 
MRS. OSSORY red and weeping ;  OSSORY (a 
British heavy father) grief-stricken ;  EUPHEMIA 
sobbing at the table ;  CARR and DELHOMME cold 
and hot respectively in their expression of 
sympathy.  MR. TODD is at the door, his cloak 
on, his hat in his hand.  
 
OSSORY.  It is kind of you to have so come far to break 
the sad news, my dear sir.  I hope that we shall see you 
again soon under—under—under happier circumstances. 
[TODD bows very low to the company as if deeply 
sympathising ;  but turning his face to the 
audience, smiles as if at some secret jest.  The 
actor should study hard to make this smile sig-
nificant of the whole character, as revealed in 
the complete play ;  for TODD does not develop 
through, but is explained by, the plot.  TODD 
goes out ;  OSSORY follows, and returns in a 
minute.  There is no sound in the room but that 
of EUPHEMIA’S sobs.  
OSSORY [returning, throws himself into a chair near the 
door].  Dear me !  dear me !  Poor, poor Henry !    
DELHOMME.  In the very flower of his life. ...