She screams and shouts something about suicide.

Her son, Brookside, comes running in and consoles her.

RODERICK (V.O.)

Her death would have been no comfort to me, as I leave any person of common prudence to imagine; for that scoundrel of a young Brookside who was about to become my greatest plague and annoyance, would have inherited every penny of the property.

Roderick, bored and distracted, sits before a stack of bills and papers, with his accountant.

RODERICK (V.O.)

Humble people envy us great men, and fancy that our lives are all pleasure. But the troubles of poverty, the rascality of agents, the quibbles of lawyers are endless. My life at this period seemed to consist of nothing but drafts of letters and money-brokers relative to the raising of money, and the insuring of Lady Cosgrove's life, and innumerable correspondence with upholsterers, decorators, cooks, horsekeepers, bailiffs, and stewards.

Various cuts.

Birthday fete for Patrick who is now five years old.

Gaily colored tents, ponies, a puppet show, expensive presents.

RODERICK (V.O.)

My own dear boy, Patrick, was now five years old, and was the most polite and engaging child ever seen; it was a pleasure to treat him with kindness and distinction; the little fellow was the pink of fashion, beauty, and good breeding. In fact, he could not have been otherwise, with the care both his parents bestowed upon him, and the attentions which were lavished upon him in every way.

Brookside and Roderick.

RODERICK (V.O.)

Whereas, young Brookside had grown to be a very nasty and disrespectful fellow indeed. In my company, he preserved the most rigid silence, and a haughty, scornful demeanor, which was so much the more disagreeable because there was nothing in his behavior I could actually take hold of to find fault with, although his whole conduct was insolent and supercilious to the highest degree.

Brookside sitting alone reading a book.

RODERICK (V.O.)

In addition to this, the lad was fond of spending the chief part of his time occupied with the musty old books, which he took out of the library, and which I hate to see a young man of spirit pouring over.

Brookside and the Countess.

RODERICK (V.O.)

The insubordination of that boy was dreadful. He used to quote passages of "Hamlet" to his mother, which made her very angry.

Brookside quoting "Hamlet."

The Countess begins to cry and leaves the room.

Roderick caning young Brookside.

RODERICK (V.O.)

As it is best to nip vice in the bud, and for a master of a family to exercise his authority in such a manner as that there may be no question about it, I took every opportunity of coming to close quarters with Master Brookside.

Many guests around the table.

RODERICK (V.O.)

He always chose the days when company, or the clergy, or gentry of the neighborhood were present, to make violent, sarcastic, and insolent speeches.

Brookside begins to fondle and caress Patrick.

BROOKSIDE

Dear child, what a pity it is I am not dead for your sake! The Cosgroves would then have a worthy representative, and enjoy all the benefits of the illustrious blood of the James' of Duganstown, would they not, Mr. James Cosgrove?

Roderick caning Brookside again. The boy bears the punishment without crying.

Roderick's reunion with his mother.

Present are the Countess, Patrick, Lord Brookside and others.

Mrs. James flings herself into her son's arms with a scream, and with transports of joy, which can only be comprehended by women who have held, in their arms, an only child, after a twelve-year absence from him.

Roderick and mother feeding Patrick.

Roderick and mother playing with Patrick in the garden.

Mother at dinner with the family, in a strained atmosphere.

Roderick and his mother talk in whispers near the bed of the sleeping Patrick.

MOTHER

Ah, Roderick, it's a blessing to see that my darling boy has attained a position I always knew was his due, and for which I pinched myself to educate him. Little Patrick is a darling boy, and you live in great splendor, but how long will it last? Your lady-wife knows she has a treasure she couldn't have had, had she taken a duke to marry her, but if, one day, she should tire of my wild Roderick and his old-fashioned Irish ways, or if she should die, what future would there be for my son and grandson?

Roderick and his mother.

MOTHER

You have not a penny of your own, and cannot transact any business without the Countess' signature. Upon her death, the entire estate would go to young Brookside, who bears you little affection. You could be penniless tomorrow, and darling Patrick at the mercy of his stepbrother.

Roderick and his mother.

MOTHER

I shall tell you a secret -- I shall not rest until I see you Earl of Duganstown, and my grandson, a Lord Viscount.

She smooths down Roderick's hair.

MOTHER

This head would become a coronet.

Roderick and Mother slowly walking and talking. Young Patrick, ahead of them sitting in a small cart, pulled by a lamb.

MOTHER

These things entail considerable expense, and you will need your lady's blessing, but the young boy forms the great bond of union between you and her ladyship, and there is no plan of ambition you could propose in which she would not join for the poor lad's benefit, and no expense she will not eagerly incur, if it might be any means be shown to tend to his advancement. You have important friends, and they can tell you how these things are done.

Standing away from the play tables, Roderick chats with Lord West, a fat giant of a man.

RODERICK (V.O.)

And, to be sure, I did know someone who knew precisely how these things were done, and this was the distinguished solicitor and former Government Minister, Lord West, whose acquaintance I made, as I had so many others, at the gaming table.

LORD WEST

Do you happen to know Gustavus Adolphus, the thirteenth Earl of Crabs?

RODERICK

By name only.

LORD WEST

Well, sir, this nobleman is one of the gentlemen of His Majesty's closet, and one with whom our revered monarch is on terms of considerable intimacy. I should say you would be wise to fix upon this nobleman your chief reliance for the advancement of your claim to the Viscounty which you propose to get.

Roderick having lunch with Lord West and the Earl of Crabs.