_Conrad_ (_watching street_). Still there! For full an hour he has not budged Beyond the circle of yon lamp-post’s rays! The gaslight falls upon his crimson hose, And makes a steely glitter at his thigh, While from the shadow peers a hatchet-face And fixes sinister malignant eyes-- On whom? (_Shuddering._) I dare not trust myself to guess And yet--ah, no--it cannot be myself! I am so young--one is still young at six!-- What man can say that I have injured him? Since, in my Mother’s absence all the day Engaged upon Municipal affairs, I peacefully beguile the weary hours By suction of consolatory thumbs. [_Here he inserts his thumb in his mouth, but almost instantly removes it with a start._ Again I meet those eyes! I’ll look no more-- But draw the blind and shut my terror out. [_Draws blind and lights candle; Stage lightens._ Heigho, I wish my Mother were at home! (_Listening._) At last! I hear her latch-key in the door! [_Enter_ CONRAD’S _Mother, a lady of strong-minded appearance, rationally attired. She carries a large reticule full of documents._ _Conrad’s M._ Would, Conrad, that you were of riper years, So you might share your Mother’s joy to-day, The day that crowns her long and arduous toil As one of London’s County Councillors! _Conrad._ Nay, speak; for though my mind be immature, One topic still can charm my infant ear, That ever craves the oft-repeated tale. I love to hear of that august assembly [_His Mother lifts her bonnet solemnly._ In which my Mother’s honoured voice is raised! _C.’s M._ (_gratified_). Learn, Conrad, then, that, after many months Of patient “lobbying” (you’ve heard the term?) The measure by my foresight introduced Has triumphed by a bare majority! _Con._ My bosom thrills with dutiful delight-- Although I yet for information wait As to the scope and purpose of the statute. _C.’s M._ You show an interest so intelligent That well deserves it should be satisfied, Be seated, Conrad, at your Mother’s knee, And you shall hear the full particulars. You know how zealously I advocate The sacred cause of Nursery Reform? How through my efforts every infant’s toys Are carefully inspected once a month----? _Con._ (_wearily_). Nay, Mother, you forget--I _have_ no toys. _C.’s M._ Which brings you under the exemption clause. But--to resume; how Nursery Songs and Tales Must now be duly licensed by our Censor, And any deviation from the text Forbidden under heavy penalties? All that you know. Well; with concern of late, I have remarked among our infancy The rapid increase of a baneful habit On which I scarce can bring my tongue to dwell. [_The Stage darker; blind at back illuminated._