Roderick and the broker.
BROKER
Your wife's life is as well known among the insurance societies in London, as any woman in Christendom, and, I'm sorry to say there is not one of them willing to place another policy against her ladyship's life. One of them even had the impudence to suggest that your treatment of the Countess did not render her life worth a year's purchase.
Roderick buying a horse.
RODERICK (V.O.)
In the midst of my difficulties, I promised to buy a little horse for my dear little Patrick, which was to be a present for his eighth birthday, that was now coming on. I may have had my faults, but no man shall dare to say of me that I was not a good and tender father.
Roderick admires the horse.
RODERICK (V.O.)
It was a beautiful little animal, and stood me in a good sum. I never regarded money for that dear child.
The horse kicks off one of the horse-boys who tries to ride him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But the horse was a bit wild, and he kicked off one of the horse-boys who rode him at first, and broke the lad's leg.
Roderick riding the horse. The horse-boy lies in the back of a wagon.
RODERICK (V.O.)
But he was a beautiful animal and would make a fine horse for Patrick after he had a bit of breaking-in.
Roderick dismounts and gives the horse to one of the horse-boys.
RODERICK
Timmy, take the injured lad to see the doctor, and then bring the horse to Doolan's farm, and tell him to break him in thoroughly. Tell him it's for little Patrick, and that I'll be over to see him next week.
HORSE-BOY
Yes, sir.
RODERICK
One more thing, and listen well, I don't want little Patrick to know where the horse is being kept. It's going to be surprise for his birthday.
Patrick rushes out to greet his father.
PATRICK
Hello, papa!
Roderick picks him up in his arms, and kisses him.
PATRICK
Did you buy the horse, papa?
RODERICK
Now, just have a little patience, my boy. Your birthday isn't until next week.
PATRICK
But I will have it on my birthday, won't I?
RODERICK
Well, we'll just have to wait and see, won't we?
He walks up the steps holding Patrick, who hugs and kisses him.
RODERICK (V.O.)
My son, little Patrick Cosgrove, was a prince; his breeding and manners, even at his early age, showed him to be worthy of the two noble families from whom he was descended, and I don't know what high hopes I had for the boy, and indulged in a thousand fond anticipations as to his future success and figure in the world, but stern Fate had determined that I should leave none of my race behind me.
Roderick is drunk. Patrick is brought in by his governor, Hunt, to say good night. His kisses his mother first, then approaches Roderick.
PATRICK
(kissing him)
Good night, papa.
RODERICK
Good night, my little darling.
PATRICK
Papa?
RODERICK
Yes?
PATRICK
One of the boys in the stable told Nelly that you've already bought my horse, and that it's at Doolan's farm, where Mick the groom is breaking it in. Is that true, papa?
RODERICK
(angered)
What the devil? What kind of fools do we have here? Pottle, who told the lad this story?
HUNT
I don't know, sir.
PATRICK
Then it's true! It's true! Oh, thank you, papa! Thank you!
He hugs his father.
COUNTESS
Promise me, Patrick, that you will not ride the horse except in the company of your father.
PATRICK
(unconvincingly)
I promise, mama.
RODERICK
I promise your lordship a good flogging if you even so much as go to Doolan's farm to see him.
PATRICK
Yes, papa.
Roderick is awakened by his valet and Hunt, the governor.
RODERICK
"Yes»»»?
VALET
I'm sorry to disturb you, sir, but Mr. Hunt has something important to tell you.
RODERICK
Yes?
HUNT
I think Master Patrick has disobeyed your orders and stolen off to Doolan's farm. When I went to the lad's room this morning, his bed was empty. One of the cooks said she saw him go away before daybreak. He must have slipped through my room while I was asleep.
Roderick, in a rage, taking a great horse-whip, gallops off after the child.
Roderick comes upon a sad procession of farmers, moaning and howling, the black horse led by the hand, and, on a door that some of them carry, little Patrick. He lies in his little boots and spurs, and his little coat of scarlet and gold. His face is quite white, and he smiles as he holds a hand out to Roderick and says painfully:
PATRICK
You won't whip me, will you, papa? Roderick bursts out into tears in reply.
Some doctors around the bed, Roderick and the Countess anxiously waiting upon them.
RODERICK (V.O.)
The doctors were called, but what does a doctor avail in a contest with the grim, invincible enemy? Such as came could only confirm our despair by their account of the poor child's case. His spine was injured, the lower half of him was dead when they laid him in bed at home. The rest did not last long, God help me! He remained yet for two days with us, and a sad comfort it was to think he was in no pain.
Roderick, Countess and Patrick.
PARTICK
(weakly)
Papa, I beg you and mama to pardon me for any acts of disobedience I have been guilty of towards you.
COUNTESS
(weeping)
Oh, my little angel, you have done nothing for which you need pardon.
PATRICK
Where is Brooksy? I would like to see him.
RODERICK
Your bother is in America fighting the rebels.
PATRICK
Is he all right, papa?
RODERICK
Yes, he's fine.
PATRICK
Brooksy was better than you, papa, he used not to swear so, and he taught me many good things while you were away.
Patrick takes a hand of his mother and of Roderick, in each of his little clammy ones.