Trebell. [Far from responding.] Not at all, sir. If you wanted children you did the next best thing when she left you. My own problem is neither so simple nor is it yet anyone's business but my own. I apologise for alluding to it.
Horsham takes advantage of the silence that follows.
Horsham. Shall we....
O'Connell. [Measuring Trebell with his eyes.] And by which shall I help you to a solution ... telling lies or the truth to-morrow?
Trebell. [Roughly, almost insolently.] If you want my advice ... I should do the thing that comes more easily to you, or that will content you most. If you haven't yet made up your mind as to the relative importance of my work and your conscience, it's too late to begin now. Nothing you may do can affect me.
Horsham. [fluttering fearfully into this strange dispute.] O'Connell ... if you and I were to join Wedgecroft....
O'Connell. You value your work more than anything else in the world?
Trebell. Have I anything else in the world?
O'Connell. Have you not? [With grim ambiguity.] Then I am sorry for you, Mr. Trebell. [Having said all he had to say, he notices Horsham.] Yes, Lord Horsham, by all means....
Then Horsham opens the library door and sees him safely through. He passes Trebell without any salutation, nor does Trebell turn after him; but when Horsham also is in the library and the door is closed, comments viciously.