peacey. Well . . truthfully, Mr. Edward?
edward. As truthfully as you think suitable.
The irony of this is wasted on peacey, who becomes pleasantly candid.
peacey. Well, I couldn't make you out last Christmas. I'd always thought there must be a smash when your father died . . but it didn't come. But then again at Christmas you seemed all on edge and I didn't know what might happen. So I thought I'd better keep quiet and say nothing.
edward. I see. This little pull of yours over the firm is an inheritance from your father, isn't it?
peacey. [discreetly.] When he retired, sir, he said to me . . I've told the Governor you know what I know. And Mr. Voysey said to me . . I treat you as I did your father, Peacey. I never had another word on the subject with him.
edward. A very decent arrangement. Your son's at Cambridge you say, Peacey?
peacey. Yes.
edward. I wonder you didn't bring him into the firm.