RICHARD. (_on the threshold, taking off his hat_). Ladies and gentlemen: your servant, your very humble servant. (_With this comprehensive insult, he throws his hat to Christy with a suddenness that makes him jump like a negligent wicket keeper, and comes into the middle of the room, where he turns and deliberately surveys the company._) How happy you all look! how glad to see me! (_He turns towards Mrs. Dudgeon’s chair; and his lip rolls up horribly from his dog tooth as he meets her look of undisguised hatred._) Well, mother: keeping up appearances as usual? that’s right, that’s right. (_Judith pointedly moves away from his neighborhood to the other side of the kitchen, holding her skirt instinctively as if to save it from contamination. Uncle Titus promptly marks his approval of her action by rising from the sofa, and placing a chair for her to sit down upon._) What! Uncle William! I haven’t seen you since you gave up drinking. (_Poor Uncle William, shamed, would protest; but Richard claps him heartily on his shoulder, adding_) you have given it up, haven’t you? (_releasing him with a playful push_) of course you have: quite right too; you overdid it. (_He turns away from Uncle William and makes for the sofa._) And now, where is that upright horsedealer Uncle Titus? Uncle Titus: come forth. (_He comes upon him holding the chair as Judith sits down._) As usual, looking after the ladies. UNCLE TITUS. (_indignantly_). Be ashamed of yourself, sir— RICHARD. (_interrupting him and shaking his hand in spite of him_). I am: I am; but I am proud of my uncle—proud of all my relatives (_again surveying them_) who could look at them and not be proud and joyful? (_Uncle Titus, overborne, resumes his seat on the sofa. Richard turns to the table._) Ah, Mr. Anderson, still at the good work, still shepherding them. Keep them up to the mark, minister, keep them up to the mark. Come! (_with a spring he seats himself on the table and takes up the decanter_) clink a glass with me, Pastor, for the sake of old times. ANDERSON. You know, I think, Mr. Dudgeon, that I do not drink before dinner. RICHARD. You will, some day, Pastor: Uncle William used to drink before breakfast. Come: it will give your sermons unction. (_He smells the wine and makes a wry face._) But do not begin on my mother’s company sherry. I stole some when I was six years old; and I have been a temperate man ever since. (_He puts the decanter down and changes the subject._) So I hear you are married, Pastor, and that your wife has a most ungodly allowance of good looks. ANDERSON. (_quietly indicating Judith_). Sir: you are in the presence of my wife. (_Judith rises and stands with stony propriety._)