TENNANT, who has been swinging his chair backwards, comes to a pause as CHARLEY comes up to him.
TENNANT. Is there? I don’t know. But what—
CHARLEY. [lowering his voice.] Look here, old chap, suppose I come too?
TENNANT. What!
CHARLEY. [who keeps his voice rather low the whole time, though visibly excited.] Don’t shout! I haven’t told anybody—but I mean it. I want you to look out for me at Plymouth.
TENNANT. But, Wilson—I say—you—
CHARLEY. Don’t! It’s all settled. There’s no use arguing. I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to leave here as usual and coming on by the second train and pick you up at Plymouth. Don’t stare like that—I’ve thought it all out—
TENNANT. But your wife—your people here—you can’t do it. When I’ve gone, you’ll get over it.
CHARLEY. Get over it? I’m not going to get over anything. I’ve been a coward, see?—and now I’m going to cut and run. It’s no good telling Lil—she wouldn’t understand—but when I’m out there and get something and making a tidy little place for her, she’ll be all right. She’s nervous—the women are like that, you know—they can’t help it—and her people, too—well, they’re old, and when you’re old, you’re afraid.
TENNANT. [interrupting.] You mean to go! to-day?