Richard monologue (Act 1) — The Devil's Disciple

How do you know it’s your house until the will is read? (_They look at one another for a moment with intense hatred; and then she sinks, checkmated, into her chair. Richard goes boldly up past Anderson to the window, where he takes the railed chair in his hand._) Ladies and gentlemen: as the eldest son of my late father, and the unworthy head of this household, I bid you welcome. By your leave, Minister Anderson: by your leave, Lawyer Hawkins. The head of the table for the head of the family. (_He places the chair at the table between the minister and the attorney; sits down between them; and addresses the assembly with a presidential air._) We meet on a melancholy occasion: a father dead! an uncle actually hanged, and probably damned. (_He shakes his head deploringly. The relatives freeze with horror._) That’s right: pull your longest faces (_his voice suddenly sweetens gravely as his glance lights on Essie_) provided only there is hope in the eyes of the child. (_Briskly._) Now then, Lawyer Hawkins: business, business. Get on with the will, man.