More Portmanteau Plays Part 78

[_John enters. He is rather pale, seems pre-occupied and even more unapproachable than ever._

LEt.i.tIA

Did you have a pleasant stroll?

JOHN

I wasn't walking.

LEt.i.tIA

I shall go into the house, I think.

JOHN

No, Aunt Let.i.tia, I would rather you'd wait, if you please.

[_Nathaniel is an interested spectator. He cannot understand why Jonathan should be present for what will probably be an eventful family scene._

Nathaniel, will you sit down?

NATHANIEL

Certainly.--Where?

JOHN (_tartly_)

Would you like my chair?

NATHANIEL

Thank you.

[_He sits in John's chair, much to John's annoyance._

JOHN

Jonathan, sit down.

[_Jonathan sits. John also sits. Aunt Let.i.tia knows what to expect.

Nathaniel is more curious than angry. Jonathan is attending his first family conference._

Jonathan, I've sent for you because I want to talk to you seriously.

JONATHAN

Yes, sir.

NATHANIEL

Do you think the boy is strong enough?

JOHN

The doctor told me today that he would be quite equal to it.... Eight weeks ago, Jonathan, you made an effort to run away from your home, because I punished you. In your foolish defiance of all family authority you suffered a fall that might have resulted in a lasting and serious injury.

Fortunately you have recovered fully from the result of your fall.

NATHANIEL

Excuse me, John, but all of us know this.

JOHN

One moment, please, Nathaniel.... I have now arranged that you begin your preparation for your life work immediately. You will leave for Somerset School the day after tomorrow.

JONATHAN (_desperately_)

Uncle John, I don't want to go to Somerset School.

JOHN

You will leave for Somerset day after tomorrow. Good night, Jonathan.

NATHANIEL

Why Somerset?

JOHN

Good night, Jonathan.

[_Jonathan, dazed, goes out._

NATHANIEL

Jonathan will never go to Somerset School.

JOHN

Nathaniel, you forfeited your rights in the family councils when you ran away from home seventeen years ago.

NATHANIEL

This boy will run away again and again and I mean to save him from what I have suffered, if I can.

JOHN

Nathaniel, by what right do you attempt to interfere with my decisions?