Timbrell monologue (Act 4) — Mary Broome: A Comedy, in Four Acts

Perhaps I may have a few words with this young woman. I think I am entitled to a few words. Now, I don't wish to be harsh with you. Far from it. I had formed--I was forming a high opinion of your character--of some phases of it. I was prepared, as I think I have said, to accept you--to have overlooked the deplorable incident which--I will say no more about that. My son has been rather unfeeling, perhaps. I don't defend him. He is anxious to make amends. I must remind you that at a time when--that I insisted on his making reparation. It was an unusual course. I conceived it to be my duty. Later I found it necessary in certain painful circumstances to impose what I may call an ordeal. It is over. I am willing to be lenient. I should propose, if your husband remains reasonably--what shall I say?--steady, to make your pecuniary position a much easier one. Now, my good girl, I hope we shall have no more of this nonsense. I can overlook a slip--an error due to--an error of--of youth, but not a deliberate infringement of--are you listening to what I say?