FENWICK. That’s all very well—and if you’ve got something else—
CHARLEY. [fiercely.] I haven’t—not an idea of one—but why should that hinder? Look at Tennant, he’s chucked his job and no one wanted to take off anything.
FENWICK. [quite undisturbed.] Tennant? Oh, he’s going to the Colonies? Very risky. I nearly went there myself once.
CHARLEY. Why didn’t you quite?
FENWICK. Various things. All my people were against it. Oh, well, what was the good of going? It was only a passing fancy, I daresay. Once you leave a place the chances are you won’t get another. There are so many of us. . . .
CHARLEY. Of course, it’s safe and it’s wise and it’s sensible and all that—but it’s damnable.
FENWICK. It’s come suddenly to you—I’ve almost got used to the idea. [With a little laugh.] You do, you know, after a little. You’re young. . . . [With sigh.] Well, there it is. [A pause.] But I’d looked for that rise. It’ll make a difference. [Pulling himself together.] However, it can’t be helped. We’ve got something left and I’m safe, and that’s more than a good many people can say. I’m sorry I came tonight, Wilson.
LESLIE’S voice can be heard, shouting out a comic song.
[Smiling.] Life doesn’t seem to worry him.
CHARLEY. Won’t you stay and have supper?