TENTERDEN. Exactly. A Broxopp baby. (_To BROXOPP_) Of course I am
saying nothing against the food, which is, I am sure, admirably suited
for its purpose. I am merely looking at the matter in the interests
of—my grandson.
BROXOPP. Quite so, Sir Roger, quite so. You see that, Nancy?
NANCY. Oh yes, dear.
TENTERDEN. Well, my friend Jack has been talking it over with me. I
think we agree that for Mr. Broxopp to retire from the business—and I
am sure he has well earned his rest after all these years of strenuous
work—for him to retire and settle down in the country, would not
altogether meet the case. The name of Broxopp would continue with the
business—one could not get away from it. (_To BROXOPP_) I think I am
right in saying that?
BROXOPP. Undoubtedly, Sir Roger. The name _is_ the business.
TENTERDEN. That was my view. So our friend Jack and I think that
something more must be done. A question merely of another name. He
has suggested, my dear Mrs. Broxopp (_with a bow_), your name,
Chillingham.
BROXOPP. I don’t quite understand.
TENTERDEN. Merely that you should start your new life—freed from the
cares of business—as—ah—Chillingham.
BROXOPP. Oh!
IRIS (_to herself_). Roger Chillingham.
TENTERDEN (_charmingly to NANCY_). A name I should be proud for my
grandson to bear. I seem to remember a Chillingham in the Coldstream
with me years ago. Are yours military people?
NANCY (_eagerly_). Oh yes! My father was a sergeant-major in the
Wiltshires.
TENTERDEN (_bearing it gallantly_). Ah! A younger branch, no doubt.
But it is a good name, Chillingham. After all, why should the wife
always take the husband’s name? Eh, Mrs. Broxopp? Why should not the
husband take the wife’s, the son take the mother’s.... Jack
Chillingham to Iris Tenterden. And a handsome couple, are they not? I
shall be proud of my grandson.
IRIS (_amused, as always, by her father_). Say something, Jack. A few
words of thanks.
TENTERDEN. You agree with me, Jack?
JACK (_mumbling_). I’ve been telling Father.
BROXOPP. Of course, I quite see your point of view, Sir Roger. Don’t
think that I don’t see it perfectly. _You_ see it, don’t you, Nancy?
NANCY. Oh yes, dear. I should be very proud for you to take my name.
Just as I was very proud to take yours.
TENTERDEN. Charmingly put, Mrs. Broxopp. But alas! It is no longer
your husband’s name. He has been too generous with it. He has given it
to the world. That is what I have to think of—for my grandson. (_He
gets up_) Well, Mrs. Broxopp, I have to thank you for listening to me
so courteously, and I need not tell you how glad I am that we see eye
to eye in this matter. Broxopp, we must have a talk some day in the
City. And if I can be of any assistance to you in the matter of your
investments, or in any other particular, pray regard me as entirely at
your service.
BROXOPP. It’s very good of you, Sir Roger.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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