So I thought I’d go the whole plunge. I’ve got a little cash, of course, so I shan’t starve at first, anyhow.
CHARLEY makes no remark. TENNANT becomes apologetic.
I’m—I feel a bit of a beast—but the fact is—I—it was decided in a hurry—I—er—
CHARLEY looks up.
I’m going on Monday.
CHAR. On Monday! Why, that’s the day after tomorrow.
TENNANT. Yes, I know. It was like this. I heard of a man who’s going Monday—a man I know—and it came over me all at once, why shouldn’t I go too? I went to see him Friday—kept it dark here till I’d seen the guv’nor, and now it’s all fixed. I’m awfully sorry to have played you like this—
CHAR. Oh, rot! That’s nothing. But I say, it’s the rummest go I ever heard of. What did Molesey say?
TENNANT. Slapped me on the back! What d’ye think of that? I thought he’d call me a fool. He pointed out that I could stay there for ever, if I liked—which was jolly decent of him—but when I said I’d rather not, thanks muchly, he banged me on the back, and said he wished he could do the same and cut the office. He didn’t even stop the money for notice.
CHAR. Did he give you a £5 note?