Trebell. [Including Horsham now in his appeal.] Does anyone think he knows me now to be a worse man ... less fit, less able ... than he did a week ago?

From the piano-stool comes Cantelupe's quiet voice.

Cantelupe. Yes, Trebell ... I do.

Trebell wheels round at this and ceases all bluster.

Trebell. On what grounds?

Cantelupe. Unarguable ones.

Horsham. [Finding refuge again in his mantelpiece.] You know, he has gone off without giving me his promise.

Farrant. That's your own fault, Trebell.

Horsham. The fool says I didn't give him explicit instructions.

Farrant. What fool?