BARNABAS [alarmed] Upset my estimate! Gracious Heavens! Does the fool realize what that means? Do you realize what that means?
BURGE-LUBIN. I suppose it means that we shall have to amend the Act.
BARNABAS. Amend my Act! Monstrous!
BURGE-LUBIN. But we must. We cant ask people to go on working until they are forty-three unless our figures are unchallengeable. You know what a row there was over those last three years, and how nearly the too-old-at-forty people won.
BARNABAS. They would have made the British Islands bankrupt if theyd won. But you dont care for that; you care for nothing but being popular.
BURGE-LUBIN. Oh, well: I shouldn't worry if I were you; for most people complain that there is not enough work for them, and would be only too glad to stick on instead of retiring at forty-three, if only they were asked as a favor instead of having to.
BARNABAS. Thank you: I need no consolation. [He rises determinedly and puts on his fillet].
BURGE-LUBIN. Are you off? Where are you going to?
BARNABAS. To that cinema tomfoolery, of course. I shall put this American impostor in his place. [He goes out].
BURGE-LUBIN [calling after him] God bless you, dear old chap! [With a chuckle, he switches off; and the screen becomes blank. He presses a button and holds it down while he calls] Hallo!