I am harmless
except to my self.
Flo Speak on, sir; I hear you.
Mur I need not tell you by what steps I came to this, you don't know,
maybe you never knew, what a maddening thing a passion is when it
turns against itself. After being expelled from my tutorship in this house,
I lost my employment, self respect, hope. I sought to drown recollection
and draw courage from drink. It only embittered remembrances,
and destroyed the little courage I had left. That I have bread to eat,
I owe to Mr. Coyle; he employed me as his clerk. You know he has been
with your father this morning. I have come to tell you my errand;
are you as brave as you used to be when I knew--
Flo I fear nothing.
Mur I come to tell you of your father's ruin, his utter ruin.
Flo My father's ruin? What? What?
Mur His estates are mortgaged, his creditors clamorous. The Bailiffs
will be in Trenchard Manor to-day, disguised as your own servants.
This much Mr. Coyle has conceded to your father's respect for appearances.
Flo Then beggary stares him in the face. Poor father,
what a sad blow for him. Is that all, sir?
Mur No; the worst remains.
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