edward. I urged him to start by making some of the smaller accounts right. He said . . he said that would be penny wise and pound foolish. So I did what I could myself.

trenchard. With your own money?

edward. The little I had.

trenchard. Can you prove that you did that?

edward. I suppose I could.

trenchard. It's a good point.

booth. [not to be quite left out.] Yes, I must say—

trenchard. You ought to have written him a letter, and left the firm the moment you found out. Even then, legally . . ! But as he was your father. What was his object in telling you? What did he expect you to do?

edward. I've thought of every reason . . and now I really believe it was that he might have someone to boast to of his financial exploits.

trenchard. [appreciatively.] I daresay.