Bishop. I beg—— (Mr. Reach Haslam sits down to desk and takes the post. Exeunt Servants.)
Mrs. R. Haslam. I ought to apologise for receiving you in my study, but I thought—my husband thought—we had better see you first alone. Are those the press cuttings, father?
(Mr. Reach Haslam, nodding, opens press cuttings.)
Bishop. But for this unfortunate contretemps, what a charming coincidence that your new book should be published to-day of all days!
Mrs. R. Haslam. So you find time in your busy life, Bishop, to keep abreast of modern literature—even novels?
Bishop. Even novels! My dear lady, there is no greater force for good.
Mrs. R. Haslam. Or for evil—alas!
Bishop. Quite so! I have often thought—I have indeed said so from the platform—that the two most truly important influences for good in our generation are your novels and the leaflets of the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church.
Mrs. R. Haslam. Indeed! Father, do you recall that press-cutting?
Mr. R. Haslam. (Busy.) No.