And when did you last see your father?

This scene is set in a Royalist manor house during the English Civil War. A young boy is being questioned as to the whereabouts of his father. His mother and sisters listen anxiously, fearful that he may inadvertently betray his father. The innocence of the boy - which adds to the tension and drama of the scene is suggested by his blonde hair, tiny stature and the pretty blue suit that he is wearing. Yeames was apparently given the idea for this painting when a nephew of “innocent and truthful disposition” was staying at his house. The painting became enormously popular with the public owing to its vivid portrayal of a dramatic story.