edward. Are you feeling all right again?
mr. booth. A bit dyspeptic. How are you?
edward. Quite well, thanks.
mr. booth. I'm glad . . I'm glad. [he now proceeds to cough a little, hesitating painfully.] I'm afraid this isn't very pleasant business I've come upon.
edward. D'you want to go to Law with anyone?
mr. booth. No . . oh, no. I'm getting too old to quarrel.
edward. A pleasant symptom.
mr. booth. [with a final effort.] I mean to withdraw my securities from the custody of your firm . . [and he adds apologetically] with the usual notice, of course.
It would be difficult to describe what edward feels at this moment. Perhaps something of the shock that the relief of death may be as an end to pain so long endured that it has been half forgotten. He answers very quietly, without a sign of emotion.
edward. Thank you . . May one ask why?