LESLIE. And he’s going to throw it away! And then I suppose he’ll be out of work over there, and we shall be hearing of the unemployment in the Colonies! It’s just this sort of thing that makes a man a Conservative. It’s what I call getting off the ladder and deliberately kicking it down.

CHAR. Well, I don’t then. I think he’s a lucky chap to be able to do something he likes. He’s got some pluck.

LILY. Why, dear, you know you think it’s very silly of him!

LESLIE. [laughing.] You must look after your husband, Mrs. Wilson, I can see. He’ll be running away. Well, so long, old chap! I’ll come back later. Just give me a hitch over the wall. You’ll be sorry about those beans next week. [Pause.]

They go out. A crash is heard.

CHAR. Hullo! What’s up?

LESLIE. [in the distance.] Smashed a box of tomato plants. Phew!

LILY, laughing, goes out with MAGGIE.

A long whistle—CHARLEY comes back into the room and stands looking into the fire. Pause.

Enter TENNANT R.