Yes, sir. (_And meeting her glance, he bows once more_)
(_Parnell hands over the letter, and while Katharine reads there is a
pause_.)
PARNELL. Did you bring me this expecting money for it?
MAN. No, sir.
PARNELL. I see it has a date. You could have let me have it before?
MAN. Yes, sir.
PARNELL. More than--six months ago?
MAN. More than a year ago, sir.
PARNELL. Quite so. And you did not?
MAN (_eyeing him steadfastly_). No, sir. I was still comfortable in
his service then, sir.
PARNELL (_ironically, after a pause of scrutiny eye to eye_). I am
singularly obliged to you.... How did you come by it, may I ask?
MAN. Well, sir, he'd been dining out, sir. Left it in his pocket--hadn't
posted it.
PARNELL. I see.... Had your dismissal anything to do with this?
MAN. Oh, no, sir. That only happened quite recently.
PARNELL. And then--he dismissed you without a character, you say? Do you
think you deserved one?
MAN. From him, sir?--yes, sir.
PARNELL (_coldly amused_). That is a good answer. Have you been put
to any expense coming here?
MAN. Just my return fare, sir.
PARNELL. And were you expecting me to--?
MAN. No, sir; I could have sent it in the post, if I'd wished.
PARNELL (_surprised_). Do you mean, then, that I may keep this
letter?
MAN. Yes, sir.
PARNELL. I may do what I like with it?
MAN. Just what you like, sir.
PARNELL. Thank you.
(_After a pause of meditation he very deliberately tears up the letter
and puts it into the fire.
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