MAN.  No, sir.  I have a place.

PARNELL.  Well?

MAN.  That gentleman, sir—­my last employer, dismissed me without a character.

(His reference is to the note which Parnell still holds open in his hand.)

PARNELL.  Well?

MAN.  That’s all, sir.

PARNELL.  Then what have you come here for?

MAN.  To give you this, sir.

(He draws out and presents a letter, rather soiled by keeping, which has already been opened.  There is a pause, while Parnell looks first at the address, then runs his eye over the contents)

PARNELL.  May I show it to—­this lady?

MAN.  Oh, yes, sir.

PARNELL.  Whom, I take it, you recognise?

MAN.  Yes, sir. (And meeting her glance, he bows once more)

(Parnell hands over the letter, and while Katharine reads there is a pause.)

PARNELL.  Did you bring me this expecting money for it?

MAN.  No, sir.

PARNELL.  I see it has a date.  You could have let me have it before?

MAN.  Yes, sir.

PARNELL.  More than—­six months ago?

MAN.  More than a year ago, sir.

PARNELL.  Quite so.  And you did not?

MAN (eyeing him steadfastly).  No, sir.  I was still comfortable in his service then, sir.

PARNELL (ironically, after a pause of scrutiny eye to eye).  I am singularly obliged to you....  How did you come by it, may I ask?

MAN.  Well, sir, he’d been dining out, sir.  Left it in his pocket—­hadn’t posted it.

PARNELL.  I see....  Had your dismissal anything to do with this?

MAN.  Oh, no, sir.  That only happened quite recently.

PARNELL.  And then—­he dismissed you without a character, you say?  Do you think you deserved one?

MAN.  From him, sir?—­yes, sir.

PARNELL (coldly amused).  That is a good answer.  Have you been put to any expense coming here?

MAN.  Just my return fare, sir.

PARNELL.  And were you expecting me to—?

MAN.  No, sir; I could have sent it in the post, if I’d wished.

PARNELL (surprised).  Do you mean, then, that I may keep this letter?

MAN.  Yes, sir.

PARNELL.  I may do what I like with it?

MAN.  Just what you like, sir.

PARNELL.  Thank you.

(After a pause of meditation he very deliberately tears up the letter and puts it into the fire.  Then, with rather icy politeness:)

I am much obliged to you; and I wish you a good evening.

(A little crestfallen, but with quiet self possession, the man accepts the termination of the interview.)

MAN.  Good evening, sir. (He moves to the door.)

PARNELL.  Stop!

(The man turns as the other goes towards him, and they meet face to face.)