mr. voysey. [gently reproachful now.] My boy, you must trust me a little. It's all very well for you to come in at the end of the day and criticise. But I who have done the day's work know how that work had to be done. And here's our firm, prosperous, respected and without a stain on its honour. That's the main point, isn't it? And I think that achievement should earn me the right to be trusted a little . . shouldn't it?
edward. [quite irresponsive to this pathetic appeal.] Look here, sir, I'm dismissing from my mind all prejudice about speaking the truth . . acting upon one's instructions, behaving as any honest firm of solicitors must behave . .
mr. voysey. You need not, I tell no unnecessary lies. If a man of any business ability gives me definite instructions about his property, I follow them.
edward. Father, no unnecessary lies!
mr. voysey. Well, my friend, go and tell Mrs. Murberry that four hundred and twenty pounds of her income hasn't for the last eight years come from the place she thinks it's come from and see how happy you'll make her.
edward. But is that four hundred and twenty a year as safe to come to her as it was before you meddled with the capital?
mr. voysey. I see no reason why—
edward. What's the security?
mr. voysey. [putting his coping stone on the argument.] My financial ability.