Read-Aloud Plays Part 3

Results? What do you mean? I have no desire to catalogue the things I have done for one who was near to me, but--

RICHARD

That's all very well, uncle, and I have no criticism to make. What's over is over. But when you speak of my duty to you, I think of how mother died so young, and how I found out afterward her affairs were so difficult. I had no idea--she sacrificed herself for me so long that I took it for granted. But I think that you, as a business man, must have known.

UNCLE RICHARD

You found that everything was mortgaged? Well, Richard, it pains me to recall these things. Your father, unfortunately, was a poor business man.

As for the mortgage, Richard, I held that myself.

RICHARD

You did!

UNCLE RICHARD

Yes. Even your mother did not know. I acted through an agent, and the interest was two per cent.

RICHARD

But--

UNCLE RICHARD

A nominal rate. Your mother was so proud--

RICHARD

Well, but there were other matters, long ago, that I have only lately heard about. You and father once started in business together....

UNCLE RICHARD

We did. And I advised him to sell out when I did, but he thought better to hold on.

RICHARD

Poor father. You made--he lost....

UNCLE RICHARD

But if he had followed my advice--. All this is painful to me, Richard, and leads nowhere. As for yourself, I have always been interested in you, more so than you realize, and now--

RICHARD

Now?

UNCLE RICHARD

I cannot feel at fault for anything that has happened. Your father was unsuited for modern life. By the ordinary standards he was bound to fail.

Still, it gives me great satisfaction that at the present time, Richard, I can offer you a home. Yes, Richard, a _home_.

RICHARD

It's difficult to decide.... You see, my studio--

UNCLE RICHARD

Well! I confess I can't understand all this uncertainty!

RICHARD

For three years I have worked as hard as anybody could to make a position allowing me to paint. I have succeeded. I no longer need help!

UNCLE RICHARD

Of course not! I don't question your ability to get along. At the same time, your att.i.tude now is rather quixotic. Besides, as far as your painting is concerned, you can always go about where you require. It isn't slavery I am planning for you here, Richard!

RICHARD

Well ... but then, as I must live by my sales and commissions, I'd cut a poor figure in surroundings like these.

UNCLE RICHARD

Ha! Very quaint that, Richard, very quaint! I suppose artists _are_ like that.... Richard, I see you do not yet understand. I shall be most happy to provide for you in every way. Yes. I have considered the whole matter carefully, and for some time have only waited an opportunity to explain to you in person. Consider, then, that you shall have an income of your own.

You see, Richard?

RICHARD

No, I don't.

UNCLE RICHARD

Why, it's simple enough!

RICHARD

Yes, the facts are, but I don't understand--an income, a home. Why, I never dreamed of such a thing!

UNCLE RICHARD

And why not, my boy, why not? We haven't seen enough of each other, Richard. Perhaps I have been at fault there, not to show more clearly the interest I have always taken in you. Yes, indeed, a warm interest, Richard!

RICHARD

Why not, Uncle Richard? Three years ago you might have asked me that question. Now I ask you _why_?

UNCLE RICHARD