MRS. CHINN. It has been a bit difficult, at times; especially after their poor father died. GEOFFREY. How many were you left with? MRS. CHINN. Eight, sir. GEOFFREY. How on earth did you manage to keep them? MRS. CHINN. Well, you see, sir, the two eldest, they were earning a little. I don’t think I could have done it without that. GEOFFREY. Wasn’t there any source from which you could have obtained help? What was your husband? MRS. CHINN. He worked in the shipyards, sir. There was some talk about it. But, of course, that always means taking the children away from you. GEOFFREY. Would not that have been better for them? MRS. CHINN. Not always, sir. Of course, if I hadn’t been able to do my duty by them I should have had to. But, thank God, I’ve always been strong. GEOFFREY. (_He rises_.) I will see what can be done. MRS. CHINN. Thank you, sir. GEOFFREY. (_Half-way_, _he turns_.) When does the next boat sail—for Canada? MRS. CHINN. To-morrow night, sir, from Glasgow. I have booked his passage. GEOFFREY. (_With a smile_.) You seem to have taken everything for granted. MRS. CHINN. You see, sir, it’s the disgrace. All the others are doing so well. It would upset them so. (_He goes out_.) (_There is a moment_.) (ANNYS _enters_. _She is wearing her outdoor things_.) ANNYS. Mrs. Chinn! MRS. CHINN. (_She has risen_; _she curtseys_.) Good evening, ma’am. ANNYS. (_She is taking off her hat_.) Nothing wrong, is there? MRS. CHINN. My boy, ma’am, my youngest, has been getting into trouble. ANNYS. (_She pauses_, _her hat in her hand_.) They will, won’t they? It’s nothing serious, I hope? MRS. CHINN. I think it will be all right, ma’am, thanks to your good gentleman. ANNYS. (_She lays aside her hat_.) You have had a good many children, haven’t you, Mrs. Chinn? MRS. CHINN. Ten altogether, ma’am; six living. ANNYS. Can one love ten, all at once? (_The cloak has fallen aside_. MRS. CHINN _is a much experienced lady_.) MRS. CHINN. Just as many as come, dear. God sends the love with them. (_There is a moment_; _the two women are very close to one another_. _Then_ ANNYS _gives a little cry and somehow their arms are round one another_.) (_She mothers her into the easy chair above the fire_; _places a footstool under her feet_.) You have your cry out, dearie, it will do you good. ANNYS. You look so strong and great. MRS. CHINN. It’s the tears, dearie. (_She arranges the foot-stool_.) You keep your feet up. (_The handle of the door is heard_. MRS. CHINN _is standing beside her own chair_. _She is putting back her handkerchief into her bag_.) (GEOFFREY _re-enters_.) (ANNYS _is hidden in the easy chair_. _He does not see her_.) GEOFFREY. Well, Mrs. Chinn, an exhaustive search for the accused will be commenced—next week. MRS. CHINN. Thank you, sir.