Chapter 30
In which inconvertible evidence of Richard's duplicity leads Bradshaw to cut off his most beloved child.
Ruth settles in to her new role as a sick nurse, first with the poor and as her reputation spreads, more widely. Her quiet, tender care is renowned throughout the town and even the roughest boys respect her.
The years pass and one day Walter asks if he can pay for Leonard's schooling. While he is there, Benson asks him to chase up an outstanding bonus on shares bought for him by Bradshaw.
Bradshaw is bemused when the Insurance Company write to say there was no bonus because the shares were sold over 12 months ago. He tells Farquhar that Benson must be confused, belittling the minister's lack of financial exactitude. Watson, the clerk, trembles as he insists that Mr Richard had instructed him to pay Benson a dividend after the date of the alleged transfer of shares. Farquhar can immediately see the implications of this, but Bradshaw continues to bluster and blame anyone but Richard, suggesting forgetfulness on Benson's part or incompetence from the Insurance Company.
The next day a clerk arrives with the deed of transfer. Bradshaw stares at the signature then asks - "like a man who has received a slight paralytic stroke" - if the clerk has heard of forgery. He takes the deed and vows that if fraud has been perpetrated, he will pursue justice, even though the culprit should be his own son. He again wants to blame Benson, but lays his head on his desk and moans aloud.
Determined to find the truth, Bradshaw breaks open Richards's private desk and reads every paper, finding convincing evidence that the perfect Richard is far from what he seems. He clings to the hope that his son may not be guilty of forgery but rather a blunder or stupendous piece of forgetfulness.
Benson is used to needy visitors in the night, but is surprised by a portentous knock at midnight. Bradshaw produces the deed and begs Benson to be sure if it is his signature. He can see from Benson's face that it is not and is stony eyed as he vows that Richard must be prosecuted. Benson refuses, saying we have all offended God, and advises Bradshaw he will feel different in the morning. This infuriates Bradshaw whose parting words are that "If there were more people like me and fewer like you, there would be less evil in the world, sir. It's your sentimentalists that nurse up sin".
Benson is distressed by the night's events - not for himself, but for Richard. He resolves to consult the clear-headed Farquhar first thing in the morning.