TENTERDEN (holding up his hand). Please, please don’t say any more. If anything, the apology should come from me. I have lost your money. (To NANCY, charmingly) Yes, Mrs. Chillingham, a good deal of it. And a good deal of my own, too. Fortunately I have already taken steps to recover it. What we lose on the oil, we gain on—shall I say the cocoanuts?
NANCY (prompting him). Jim! “That’s all right, Sir Roger....”
BROXOPP (with an effort). That’s all right, Sir Roger. I don’t blame you. You have done your best.
TENTERDEN (amazed that there should have been any thought of blame). I’m afraid that I haven’t made myself clear. When I say cocoanuts——
NANCY. Sir Roger, has my husband lost much of his money?
TENTERDEN. My dear Mrs. Chillingham, five minutes ago I should not have used the word “lost” at all. It [69]was just, if I may put it so, the opening skirmish in a campaign. One does not say that a campaign is lost because at the first few shots—— (He shrugs his shoulders.)
NANCY. Yes, I understand.... And the cocoanuts——?
TENTERDEN. A manner of speaking. Actually (he beams at them both) a Building Society. Our motto is—Excelsior!
BROXOPP (jumping up). The Excelsior? My money is in that?
TENTERDEN. All, my dear Chillingham. And safe as—shall I say houses? But, of course, whether you leave it there or not is now a matter for your own judgment. Between ourselves, Mrs. Chillingham, I shall be glad to be relieved of the responsibility. (Looking through the window) Beautiful weather we’re having just now. The young people are out enjoying themselves, I suppose? Golf, what? No cares, no responsibilities—lucky young people! (He gives them a pleasant nod and goes out.)