TENNANT. No.
CHAR. It’s a bit risky, isn’t it?
TENNANT. Of course it’s risky. But who wouldn’t have a little risk instead of that beastly hole every day for years? Scratch, scratch, scratch, and nothing in the end, mind you?
CHAR. [ironically.] You might become a junior partner.
TENNANT. [ignoring the remark.] Suppose I stay there. They’ll raise the screw every year till I get what they think is enough for me. Then you just stick. I suppose I should marry and have a little house somewhere, and grind on.
CHAR. [looking round.] Like me.
LILY heard singing off R.
TENNANT. No offence, old chap. It’s all right for some. It suits you. You’re used to it. I want to see things a bit before I settle.
CHARLEY is silent. His pipe has gone out and he is staring at the floor.