Chapter XIII: Act IV

Norman, now call'd Le Mesnil, instructed of all,
Goes back, though it's getting quite late for a call,
Hangs his hat and his cloak on a peg in the hall,
And tells the proud Countess it's useless to smother
The fact any longer--he knows she's his Mother!
His Pa's wedded Spouse,-- She questions his νους,
And threatens to have him turn'd out of the house.--
He still perseveres, Till, in spite of her fears,
She admits he's the son she had cast off for years,
And he gives her the papers "all blister'd with tears,"
When Ashdale, who chances his nose in to poke,
Takes his hat and his cloak, Just as if in a joke,
Determined to put in his wheel a new spoke,
And slips off thus disguised, when he sees by the dial it
's time for the rendezvous fixed with Miss Violet.--
--Captain Norman, who, after all, feels rather sore
At his mother's reserve, vows to see her no more,
Rings the bell for the servant to open the door,
And leaves his Mamma in a fit on the floor.