EDGAR. Why can’t you talk simply instead of spouting all this rot?
LEONARD. You are always baffled when I tell the truth.
EDGAR. It somehow ceases to be the truth when you tell it.
LEONARD. Good. You see how my family is prejudiced against me, Mr. Pendleton. My virtues are not virtues, my white is black. My only chance is to put myself right by committing a crime. Then I should command sympathy, my family would begin to understand me. Mr. Pendleton, won’t you consider these preliminaries over and give me a little assistance? I want something to do. Give me a place in your office.
PENDLETON. [Rather alarmed.] But, my dear boy, I’m afraid—I hardly think—
LEONARD. [Burlesque so slight as to be hardly perceptible to PENDLETON.] Give me a chance, sir. I’ve a wife and family.
PENDLETON. [Laughing uneasily.] You’re clever enough, I believe.
TIMBRELL. He wouldn’t do for an office boy.
LEONARD. That’s perfectly true. Most of the business men I have met would do for it very well.