S. Yes. Albert was twenty-two then, weren't you, Albert?
CARVE. Undoubtedly.
JANET. And how did you come to find us out at last?
MRS. S. It was through an advertisement put in the paper by that Mr.
Texel--him that's in this law case--offering a reward for information
about a Mr. Albert Shawn who'd been valet to that artist man that died.
JANET. Oh! So Mr. Texel has been advertising, has he? (Giving a cup of
tea to JOHN SHAWN.)
MRS. S. Yes, for anybody that knew Albert Shawn when he was young.
"Albert Shawn," I says, "that's my husband's name." I'd been told he'd
gone off in service with a painter or something of that kind. I married
him as a valet.
JANET. (Pouring out tea.) A valet?
MRS. S. A valet, ma'am.... And the struggle I've had to bring up my
children. (Whimpering.)
JAMES. Now, mother!
JANET. (Stopping JAMES.) That will do now! Give it me. (Taking toast
and fork.) Here's some tea. Now don't pretend you've never seen a cup
of tea before--you a curate!
(JAMES accepts tea.
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