The Little Princess (1939)

E.E. Clive: Mr. Barrows

Quotes 

• Amanda Minchin : Please be seated, Mr. Barrow.

  Mr. Barrows : How much did you advance for this party? Quite a sum, I suspect?

  Amanda Minchin : What does it matter? Captain Crewe is a very wealthy man. His check will be here shortly.

  Mr. Barrows : No, Miss Minchin. There'll be no check.

  Amanda Minchin : What? What do you mean by that?

  Mr. Barrows : The late Captain Crewe.

  Amanda Minchin : The late Captain Crewe?

  Mr. Barrows : Captain Crewe is dead. He was so reported in the list this morning. Moreover, he died a bankrupt.

  Amanda Minchin : Bankrupt? But, his property and his mines!

  Mr. Barrows : His property and his mines were confiscated by the enemy.

  Amanda Minchin : You mean to tell me that the child is penniless, and she's left on my hands with nothing?

  Mr. Barrows : She's certainly left penniless, and she's certainly left on your hands. She hasn't a relative in the world that we know of.

  Amanda Minchin : But her father's account is overdrawn. I was expecting a check in advance, the money for this party.

  Mr. Barrows : So, I understand.

  Amanda Minchin : But, this is monstrous.

  [20 seconds later] 

  Amanda Minchin : I'll turn her out in the streets.

  Mr. Barrows : Do you think that wise, Miss Minchin? The reputation of your school, you know?

  Amanda Minchin : My school?

  Mr. Barrows : Well, the report might get about. And it might not sound well to the parents of some your other pupils.

  Amanda Minchin : Yes, that is so.

  Mr. Barrows : Of course. The child could be made to serve in your employ until her indebtedness is worked out.

  Amanda Minchin : But, that would take years.

  Mr. Barrows : Quite so. But at least, it's better than nothing.