CLIFTON [_holding up his hand_]. Just one moment if I may. I have a letter for you, Mr. Meriton.
CLIFTON. Yes. My clerk, a man of the utmost integrity--oh, but I said that before--he took it round to your rooms this morning, but found only painters and decorators there. [_He is feeling in his pockets and now brings the letter out._] I brought it along, hoping that Mr. Crawshaw--but of course I never expected anything so delightful as this. [_He hands over the letter with a bow._]
RICHARD. Thanks. [_He puts it in his pocket._]
CLIFTON. Oh, but do read it now, won't you? [_To MRS. CRAWSHAW._] One so rarely has an opportunity of being present when one's own letters are read. I think the habit they have on the stage of reading letters aloud to each other is such a very delightful one. [_RICHARD, with a smile and a shrug, has opened his letter while CLIFTON is talking._]
RICHARD [_reading_]. "199, Lincoln's Inn Fields. Dear Sir, I have the pleasure to inform you that under the will of the late Mr. Antony Clifton you are a beneficiary to the extent of £50,000."
RICHARD. "A trifling condition is attached--namely, that you should take the name of--Wurzel-Flummery." [_CLIFTON, with his hand on his heart, bows gracefully from one to the other of them._]
CRAWSHAW [_annoyed_]. Impossible! Why should he leave any money to you?
MARGARET [_mildly_]. I don't remember ever having had a morning quite like this.
RICHARD [_angrily_]. Is this a joke, Mr. Clifton?
CLIFTON. Oh, the money is there all right. My clerk, a man of the utmost--
RICHARD. Then I refuse it. I'll have nothing to do with it. I won't even argue about it. [_Tearing the letter into bits._] That's what I think of your money. [_He stalks indignantly from the room._]
VIOLA. Dick! Oh, but, mother, he mustn't. Oh, I must tell him--[_She hurries after him._]
MARGARET [_with dignity_]. Really, Mr. Clifton, I'm surprised at you. [_She goes out too._]
CLIFTON [_looking round the room_]. And now, Mr. Crawshaw, we are alone.
CRAWSHAW. Yes. Well, I think, Mr. Clifton, you have a good deal to explain--
CLIFTON. My dear sir, I'm longing to begin. I have been looking forward to this day for weeks. I spent over an hour this morning dressing for it. [_He takes papers from his hat and moves to the sofa._] Perhaps I had better begin from the beginning.