Carve. A decree absolute.
[66]Janet. (Simply.) Is she what they call the ruling classes?
Looe. (Bows.) Lady Leonard and I have talked the matter over, and I pointed out to her that if this great genius was a member of the Church of England and if the sorrowing nation at large deems him worthy of the supreme honour of a national funeral, then by all means let him be buried in the Abbey. But if he was a Catholic, then I claim him for Westminster Cathedral, that magnificent fane which we have raised as a symbol of our renewed vitality. Now, was he a member of the Church of England?
Carve. (Loudly.) Decidedly not.
Looe. Good! Then I claim him. I detest casuistry and I claim him. I have only one other question. You knew him well—intimately—for many years. On your conscience, Mr. Shawn, what interment in your opinion would he himself have preferred?
Janet. (After a pause.) It wouldn't make much difference to him either way, would it?
Carve. (With an outburst.) The whole thing is preposterous.
Looe. (Ignoring the outburst.) My course seems quite clear. I shall advise Lady Leonard—
Carve. Don't you think you're rather young to be in sole charge of this country?
Looe. (Smoothly.) My dear sir, I am nothing