cantelupe. But since Mrs. O'Connell is dead what is the excuse for a scandal?
At this unpleasant dig into the subject of their thoughts the three other men stir uncomfortably.
horsham. Because the inquest is unavoidable . . apparently.
wedgecroft. [Suddenly letting fly.] I declare I'd have risked penal servitude and given a certificate, but just before the end O'Connell would call in old Fielding Andrews, who has moral scruples about everything—it's his trademark—and of course about this . . !
farrant. Was he told of the whole business?
wedgecroft. No . . O'Connell kept things up before him. Well . . the woman was dying.
horsham. Couldn't you have kept the true state of the case from Sir Fielding?
wedgecroft. And been suspected of the malpractice myself if he'd found it out? . . which he would have done . . he's no fool. Well . . I thought of trying that. . .
farrant. My dear Wedgecroft . . how grossly quixotic! You have a duty to yourself.