The Master of Mrs. Chilvers Part 25

GEOFFREY How many were there?

MRS. CHINN Ten altogether, six living.

GEOFFREY Been a bit of a struggle for you, hasn't it?

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 G.o.d, 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 pa.s.sage.

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. G.o.d 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.

GEOFFREY What about the children--are they going with him?

MRS. CHINN No, sir; I thought he would be better without them till everything is settled.

GEOFFREY Who is taking care of them--you?

MRS. CHINN Yes, sir.

GEOFFREY And the pa.s.sage money--how much was that?

MRS. CHINN Four pound fifteen.

GEOFFREY Would you mind my coming in, as a friend?

MRS. CHINN Well, if you don't mind, I'd rather not. I've always done everything for the children myself. It's been a fad of mine.