Carve. (Reading.) "Mrs. Albert Shawn. Sir or Madam."—Why are shareholders never supposed to have any particular sex?—"Sir or Madam. Cohoon's Brewery, Ltd.,—I am directed by the shareholders' provisional committee of investigation to request your attendance at an informal meeting of shareholders to be held in room 2009 Winchester House on Friday the 20th inst. at noon. If you cannot be present, will you kindly write stating whether or not you will be prepared to support the committee of investigation at the annual meeting. In view of the probability that the directors' report will be unfavourable, and the ordinary dividend either passed or much reduced, the committee wishes to be thoroughly prepared and armed. Believe me, Sir or Madam." Oh! So that's it, is it?
Janet. Yes. My father said to me before he died, "Keep the money in beer, Janet"; he said, "Beer'll never fail in this country." And there you are!
(She goes to fireplace, opens coal scuttle, takes out a piece of paper ready placed within, and sticks it on the handle so as to keep her hands from being soiled as she replenishes the fire.)
Carve. (Lightly.) Oh, well! We must wait and see what happens.
Janet. Supposing the dividend doesn't happen?
Carve. I never worry about money.
Janet. But we shall want to eat once or twice pretty nearly every day, I suppose?
Carve. Personally, I am quite satisfied with a plain but perfect table.
Janet. You needn't tell me what you are satisfied with. You're satisfied with the very best at one shilling and sixpence a pound.
Carve. I can place eighty pounds per annum at your absolute disposal. That alone will pay for over a thousand best cuts.