FAITH (_in chair_ L.C.). That's where you are wrong, mother. Just before he sailed back to America, he took Bobbie aside and told him in confidence that he was the one he meant to leave everything to. Of course the others mustn't know because it would be favouritism--don't you see?
MRS. CROMBIE. How much is he going to leave?
FAITH. I don't know, but it's sure to be a lot.
FAITH. Well, he's a bachelor and--and he's been mining in South America.
MRS. CROMBIE. There are hundreds of bachelors in South America who are absolutely penniless--whether they mine or not.
FAITH. You are horrid, mother. (_Sniffs._) I did feel so happy, and I wanted you to be happy too.
MRS. CROMBIE (_with slight sarcasm_). It was sweet of you, dear. I really can't work myself up to a high pitch of enthusiasm over an uncle who though apparently in the last throes of a virulent disease is well able to gallop backwards and forwards across the Atlantic gaily arranging to leave an extremely problematic fortune to an extremely scatter-brained young man.
MRS. CROMBIE. The whole family is scatter-brained, and I expect the uncle's the worst of the lot--he wouldn't have been sent to South America otherwise.
MRS. CROMBIE. How do you know? He probably did something disgraceful in his youth and had to leave the country. Just like my brother, your Uncle Percy. I'm certain there's a skeleton of some kind in this family--anyhow he's sure not to die when we want him to.
MRS. CROMBIE. Only to frighten him, that's what doctors are for. I believe they cured hundreds of cases in the army like that.
MRS. CROMBIE. What's the matter with the man?
MRS. CROMBIE. It strikes me, dear, that you had better find out a bit more before you get engaged another time.
FAITH (_tearfully_). But I don't want to be engaged another time. I want to be engaged this time. Oh, mother darling, won't you wait a little while? Just _see_ the uncle. If you got him alone for a while you could find out anything--you're always so clever at that sort of thing. Oh, mother, do.
MRS. CROMBIE. I'll interview the man on one condition. That is that whatever decision I may make you promise to abide by it afterwards.
FAITH (_rises_). Yes, mother, I promise. (_Kisses her, remains below fireplace._)