NANCY. Jim! (Trying to remember) Excelsior—no, I don’t think—— Well, it doesn’t matter, because they didn’t put their money in, anyhow. A friend warned them——
BROXOPP. Funny how everybody thinks he can make money in the City without working for it. People used to say to me, “You’re a business man.” I used to say, “I’m not a business man. I’m an artist. I have large ideas. I employ business men.” Same way I employ Sir Roger. He knows; I don’t. I am above all that.
NANCY. I’ve been thinking about Sir Roger. Does he know?
BROXOPP (a little alarmed). What do you mean, Nancy?
NANCY. Of course, he’s quite honest, but I think sometimes we’ve been rather foolish in letting him have so much to say in the investing of your money. I suppose you keep an eye on things for yourself, Jim?
[63]BROXOPP (hastily). Yes, yes, of course I do.... He is a little difficult to—er—I mean he has rather a way with him, which—— But I must certainly go into things with him. You’re quite right, Nancy. I’m not going to let Sir Roger or any one else play ducks and drakes with the money which I earned.
NANCY. The money on which we were going to retire so happily.
BROXOPP (with a sigh). Yes!
NANCY (with a sigh). Yes! (They are silent for a little.) No more anxieties, no more hard work. Just a happy, quiet life, all the day to yourself, doing whatever you liked.
BROXOPP (less heartily). Er—yes. Yes.