Crampton of
this town is my father, I shall decline to entertain the information for
a moment.
McCOMAS. And pray why?
PHILIP. Because I have seen the gentleman; and he is entirely unfit
to be my father, or Dolly's father, or Gloria's father, or my mother's
husband.
McCOMAS. Oh, indeed! Well, sir, let me tell you that whether you
like it or not, he is your father, and your sister' father, and Mrs.
Clandon's husband. Now! What have you to say to that!
DOLLY (whimpering). You needn't be so cross. Crampton isn't your
father.
PHILIP. Mr. McComas: your conduct is heartless. Here you find a
family enjoying the unspeakable peace and freedom of being orphans. We
have never seen the face of a relative---never known a claim except the
claim of freely chosen friendship. And now you wish to thrust into the
most intimate relationship with us a man whom we don't know---
DOLLY (vehemently). An awful old man! (reproachfully) And you
began as if you had quite a nice father for us.
McCOMAS (angrily). How do you know that he is not nice? And what
right have you to choose your own father? (raising his voice.) Let me
tell you, Miss Clandon, that you are too young to---
DOLLY (interrupting him suddenly and eagerly). Stop, I forgot! Has
he any money?
McCOMAS. He has a great deal of money.
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