_Will._ I've been thinking about it for the last three days. You see, putting him in the play has brought him back to my thoughts. I've shown him harsh and narrow--but still I realize that I love him. Perhaps he can't help it if he has a bad temper; and if he's stubborn--well, I've been as stubborn as he. I've waited all these years for him to come; and may be it was my place to make the first move. Now he's old--he can't last much longer; and if he died, I'd be sorry all my life that I hadn't been more generous to him. It isn't his money--after all, he's my father. If I have to humble myself somewhere, perhaps I ought to give him the first chance. _(A pause.)_ What do you think? _Peggy._ I don't know, Will. It couldn't do any harm, I suppose. _(A pause)._ _Bill (pounds suddenly on door Left)._ Let me in! _Peggy (leaps up)._ What's the matter? _Bill (rushes in)._ Oh! Oh! _Will and Peggy._ What is it? _Bill._ A man tried to kidnap me! _Will and Peggy._ _What?_ _Bill._ Tried to--to take me away! _Peggy._ Bill! _Bill._ An old man--in an automobile! _Will._ You don't mean it, Bill? _Bill._ He got out and asked my name. Then he asked me if I'd like to go for a ride. I remembered what you'd told me about kidnappers. So I ran upstairs. _Peggy (staring at Will)._ Do you suppose it could be-- _Will._ I'll go and see. _(The bell rings Left; He stops)._ _Bill._ It's the old man! He's after me! _(Shrinks behind, Peggy)._ _Will._ We'll see. _(Opens door. Dad stands in entrance)._ _Bill (whispers)._ The old man! _Dad (enters without a word; looks about)._ Well, young fellow! So this is where you live! _Will (in a low voice)._ Yes, Dad. _Dad._ And this is the woman? _Will._ Yes, Dad. _Dad._ And the boy? _Will._ Yes, Dad. _Dad._ Humph! _(A pause.)_ Did it never occur to you I might like to see my grandson? _Will._ I--I didn't know, Dad. _(A pause)._ _Dad (in a breaking voice)._ Well, now you've forced me to humble myself, what have you got to say to me? _Will (starting)._ Oh, Dad! Forgive me! _(Seizes his hands)._ Dad, I'm ashamed of myself! I was coming to you to-day. Honestly I was! _Dad (returning to his gruff manner)._ Well, young fellow, I'm glad to hear you've learned a little sense, at least! How've you been making out? Not very well, I judge. _Will._ Not at all well, Dad. _Dad._ Humph! Too proud to tell me, hey? The woman looks pale; and the child too. _(To Bill.)_ Come here, youngster. So this is my grandson! _(To Will.)_ It's all very well for you to make war on your old father and break his pride; but you'd no right to use your child like this. _(Looks at Mss. on table.)_ What's this! _Peggy._ It's Will's manuscript. A play. _Dad._ So that's what he is doing, instead of taking care of his wife and child? _(Punches Mss. with his cane and scatters it in every direction over the floor)._ _Will._ Oh!