ISOBEL. Then you won’t want that pass-book now?
MARION. Pass-book?
ISOBEL. Yes. You were going into the accounts, weren’t you, to see how much——
WILLIAM. Oh—ah—yes, the Jenkins Fund.
MARION. But of course there is no Jenkins now! So there can’t be a Jenkins Fund. Such a comfort from every point of view.
ISOBEL (to WILLIAM). You’re quite happy about the money, then?
WILLIAM (who obviously isn’t). Er—yes—I.... That is to say, that, while absolutely satisfied that this man Jenkins never existed, I—at the same time—I—well, perhaps to be on the safe side—there are certain charities.... As I say, there are certain charities for distressed writers, and so on, and perhaps one would feel—you see what I mean. (He goes to the desk.)
ISOBEL. Yes. It’s what they call conscience-money, isn’t it?
WILLIAM. But of course all that can be settled later. (He picks up ROYCE’S statement.) The main point is that this will not now be wanted. (He prepares to tear it in two.)
[253]ISOBEL (fiercely). No! Put that down!