my life, so that if any one ever tried to fetter me I could fling his words back in his face! (Uncle Richard’s nerves are all on edge.  A terrific storm of overbearing temper visibly gathers during this speech, and the Colonel’s long habit of successful domination seems about to assert itself in an explosion.  But at the last moment another power, deeper than habit, older than character, represses his wrath, and when Uncle Richard speaks again it is with an earnest gentleness almost plaintive.)

UNCLE RICHARD

Richard, for heaven’s sake let us stop this quarreling!  Let us forget what has been said and done on both sides and begin anew.  I offer you a home here during my life time, and all that I own after I am dead.  I do care for you, my boy, I know it now as I know my own name.  Surely, Richard, you need not take this offer amiss?

RICHARD

Well, but you see, Uncle Richard....

UNCLE RICHARD

Do you prefer poverty for its own sake?

RICHARD

Of course not.  But I prefer it to hypocrisy and compromise.

UNCLE RICHARD

Well then.  You will accept, Richard?  For my sake, Richard?

RICHARD

Well....

UNCLE RICHARD

It is the only pleasure left to me, Richard, thinking of the old name going down honourably in you.  And as for the past, my mistakes were due to not having a son of my own.  You have no idea what a difference it makes.  It’s my dream, Richard, don’t destroy it!

RICHARD

If you really mean it that way—­

UNCLE RICHARD

My dear Richard!  My dear boy!  Why—­now I know why we have been quarreling, Richard!

RICHARD

Why?

UNCLE RICHARD

Because we are so much alike.  At your age I was the same self-willed beggar you are.  Richard, you are more like me than you are like your own father!

RICHARD

Le roi est morte, vive le roi. But (and he thumps the table with great emphasis) but there’s one thing understood—­I’m going to paint masterpieces!

UNCLE RICHARD

Of course you are, my boy, of course you are!  In fact, I always knew you would, Richard!

THE INCOMPATIBLES