peacey. [feebly threatening.] You're presuming upon its not being worth my while to make use of what I know.
edward. [not unkindly.] My good Peacey, it happens to be the truth I told you just now. Well, how on earth do you suppose you can successfully blackmail a man, who has so much to gain by exposure and so little to lose as I?
peacey. [peeving.] I don't want to ruin you, sir, and I have a great regard for the firm . . but you must see that I can't have my income reduced in this way without a struggle.
edward. [with great cheerfulness.] Very well, my friend, struggle away.
peacey. [his voice rising high and thin.] For one thing, sir, I don't think it fair dealing on your part to dock the money suddenly. I have been counting on it most of the year, and I have been led into heavy expenses. Why couldn't you have warned me?
edward. That's true, Peacey, it was stupid of me. I apologise for the mistake.
peacey is a little comforted by this quite candid acknowledgment.
peacey. Perhaps things may be easier for you by next Christmas.
edward. I hope so.