mr. booth. [relieved that the worst is over.] Certainly . . certainly. My reason is straightforward and simple and well considered. I think you must know, Edward, I have never been able to feel that implicit confidence in your ability which I had in your father's. Well, it is hardly to be expected, is it?
edward. [with a grim smile.] No.
mr. booth. I can say that without unduly depreciating you. Men like your father are few and far between. As far as I know things proceed at this office as they have always done but . . since his death I have not been happy about my affairs.
edward. [speaking as it is his duty to.] I think you need be under no apprehension . .
mr. booth. I daresay not. But that isn't the point. Now, for the first time in my long life I am worried about money affairs; and I don't like the feeling. The possession of money has always been a pleasure to me . . and for what are perhaps my last years I don't wish that to be otherwise. You must remember you have practically my entire property unreservedly in your control.
edward. Perhaps we can arrange to hand you over the reins to an extent which will ease your mind, and at the same time not . .
mr. booth. I thought of that. Believe me, I have every wish not to slight unduly your father's son. I have not moved in the matter for eighteen months. I have not been able to make up my mind to. Really, one feels a little helpless . . and the transaction of business requires more energy than . . But I saw my doctor yesterday, Edward, and he told me . . well, it was a warning. And so I felt it my duty at once to . . especially as I made up my mind to it some time ago. [he comes to the end of this havering at last and adds.] In point of fact, Edward, more than a year before your father died I had quite decided that my affairs could never be with you as they were with him.
edward starts almost out of his chair; his face pale, his eyes black.
edward. Did he know that?
mr. booth. [resenting this new attitude.] I think I never said it in so many words. But he may easily have guessed.