The Americans Part 82

RALPH ARDSLEY.

But the Law.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

'Thou shalt not steal.'

(_Harry Egerton walks rear and listens_)

RALPH ARDSLEY.

Doesn't that beat the world!

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

It's his a.s.sociation with these roughs.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

And they'll never dare lay hands upon them, Bishop.

I tell you the Commonwealth's afraid to move.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

Has G.o.d no place in business, my young brother?

HARRY EGERTON.

(_Returning_)

Yes, Bishop Hardbrooke, and it's very strange You've never thought of that until to-day.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

A hidden meaning couched in that, I think.

HARRY EGERTON.

This is the first time you've been in this mill Or near these workingmen in all these years.

And now you come to plead my father's cause.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

I come for peace.

HARRY EGERTON.

Then why not weeks ago When there was strife? You heard the cry of the poor For six weeks, Bishop, and you never came.

Why wait until the starving time is past?

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

I've rather arduous duties, my young brother.

Besides my Church work there are Boards and Boards And meetings of this Charity and that That you in business know but little of.

My interest in the poor is not unknown.

HARRY EGERTON.

You've been in father's confidence for years.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

I'm proud to say I have.

HARRY EGERTON.

There's seldom pa.s.sed A Sunday that he's not been in his pew.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

A creditable record.

RALPH ARDSLEY.

I should say.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

And one that any son might emulate With profit, I should think.

HARRY EGERTON.

It's very strange My father doesn't know some things are wrong.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

You mean he doesn't see things as you do.

HARRY EGERTON.

Yes, all my life I've wondered when I've seen Check after check go out with father's name To help along some Mission over sea Or roof some rising Charity at home, I've often wondered that he's never seen Those little shacks upon the hill out there Nor heard the cry of widows from these saws.

BISHOP HARDBROOKE.

I would suggest, my brother, that we leave The deeper things of G.o.d for quiet times And turn our minds to something nearer home.

HARRY EGERTON.