Morton Lowry

Amanda Minchin: Please be seated, Mr. Barrow.

Mr. Barrows: How much did you advance for this party? Quite a sum, I suspect?

Amanda Minchin: What does it matter? Captain Crewe is a very wealthy man. His check will be here shortly.

Mr. Barrows: No, Miss Minchin. There'll be no check.

Amanda Minchin: What? What do you mean by that?

Mr. Barrows: The late Captain Crewe.

Amanda Minchin: The late Captain Crewe?

Mr. Barrows: Captain Crewe is dead. He was so reported in the list this morning. Moreover, he died a bankrupt.

Amanda Minchin: Bankrupt? But, his property and his mines!

Mr. Barrows: His property and his mines were confiscated by the enemy.

Amanda Minchin: You mean to tell me that the child is penniless, and she's left on my hands with nothing?

Mr. Barrows: She's certainly left penniless, and she's certainly left on your hands. She hasn't a relative in the world that we know of.

Amanda Minchin: But her father's account is overdrawn. I was expecting a check in advance, the money for this party.

Mr. Barrows: So, I understand.

Amanda Minchin: But, this is monstrous.

[20 seconds later]

Amanda Minchin: I'll turn her out in the streets.

Mr. Barrows: Do you think that wise, Miss Minchin? The reputation of your school, you know?

Amanda Minchin: My school?

Mr. Barrows: Well, the report might get about. And it might not sound well to the parents of some your other pupils.

Amanda Minchin: Yes, that is so.

Mr. Barrows: Of course. The child could be made to serve in your employ until her indebtedness is worked out.

Amanda Minchin: But, that would take years.

Mr. Barrows: Quite so. But at least, it's better than nothing.

Bertie Minchin: Today, my good woman, the British army is behind me.

Amanda Minchin: Hubert, that uniform! You're not going to war?

Bertie Minchin: Quite. To the very cannon's mouth, if need be!

Amanda Minchin: But why?

Bertie Minchin: Because, old girl, I'm fed to the teeth with your bullying. And your treatment of Rose and little Sara is the last straw! I prefer the less painful horrors of the battlefield.

Amanda Minchin: Are you daring to criticize me?

Bertie Minchin: Astonishing, isn't it? But it proves that I'm competent to lead my men into the very jaws of death!