Ebag. (Smoothly.) Damned—possibly. Jew—most decidedly. But in this particular instance I behaved just like a Christian. I
[110]paid a little less than I was asked, and sold for the highest I could get. I am perfectly innocent, and my reputation is at stake.
Carve. I don't care.
Ebag. But I do. It's the reputation of the greatest expert in Europe. And I shall have to insist on you going into the witness-box.
Carve. (Horrified.) Me in the witness-box! Me cross-examined! No. That's always been my nightmare!
Ebag. Nevertheless—
Carve. Please go. (Commandingly.) Please go.
(Ebag, intimidated by Carve's demeanour, picks up his pictures to depart.)
Ebag. (At door.) Your wife will perhaps be good enough to post me a receipt for that trifle. (Very respectfully.) Good-morning.
(Exit, R.)