The cops were
very spiteful and laid it on for all they were worth: drunk and
disorderly and assaulting the police and all that. I got fourteen
days without the option, because you see--well, the fact is, I'd done
it before, and been warned. Bobby was a first offender and had the
option; but the dear boy had no money left and wouldnt give you away
by telling his name; and anyhow he couldnt have brought himself to buy
himself off and leave me there; so hes doing his time. Well, it was
two forty shillingses; and Ive only twenty-eight shillings in the
world. If I pawn my clothes I shant be able to earn any more. So I
cant pay the fine and get him out; but if youll stand 3 pounds I'll
stand one; and thatll do it. If youd like to be very kind and nice
you could pay the lot; but I cant deny that it was my fault; so I wont
press you.
GILBEY. [heart-broken] My son in gaol!
DORA. Oh, cheer up, old dear: it wont hurt him: look at me after
fourteen days of it; I'm all the better for being kept a bit quiet.
You mustnt let it prey on your mind.
GILBEY. The disgrace of it will kill me. And it will leave a mark on
him to the end of his life.
DORA. Not a bit of it. Dont you be afraid: Ive educated Bobby a
bit: hes not the mollycoddle he was when you had him in hand.
MRS GILBEY. Indeed Bobby is not a mollycoddle. They wanted him to go
in for singlestick at the Young Men's Christian Association; but, of
course, I couldnt allow that: he might have had his eye knocked out.
Pages:
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44