trebell. It's a pity the truth isn't to be told, I think. I suppose the verdict will be murder.
wedgecroft. They won't catch the man.
trebell. You don't mean . . me.
wedgecroft. No, no . . my dear fellow.
trebell. You might, you know. But nobody seems to see this thing as I see it. If I were on that jury I'd say murder too and accuse . . so many circumstances, Gilbert, that we should go home . . and look in the cupboards. What a lumber of opinions we inherit and keep!
wedgecroft. [Humouring him.] Ought we to burn the house down?
trebell. Rules and regulations for the preservation of rubbish are the laws of England . . and I was adding to their number.
wedgecroft. And so you shall . . to the applause of a grateful country.
trebell. [Studying his friend's kindly encouraging face.] Gilbert, it is not so much that you're an incorrigible optimist . . but why do you subdue your mind to flatter people into cheerfulness?
wedgecroft. I'm a doctor, my friend.