ROSIE. But why, Charlie?
JABEZ. Oh, that's as plain as the nose on his face. (To Charlie.) You're frightened of the men. You've been taught to-night that your second-hand, second-rate ideas may look very pretty in a book, but they won't wash in real life, and instead of facing it like a man and staying here to live this down, you can think of nothing better than running away.
CHARLIE. If you're going to insult me by telling me I'm afraid of a few fools whose only idea of argument is physical force, I'd better say good night. (Turning as if to go r.)
JABEZ. You think you've done something fine, don't you? (r.c.) I shouldn't wondor if you consider yourself quite a hero, eh, Charlie?
CHARLIE. No. (Crossing to Jabez.) I'm a man looking for a job.
JABEZ. You won't keep it long if you can't learn to mind your own business.
CHARLIE. My business is Chemical Research. It was you who wanted me to leave it and mix myself up with other matters.
JABEZ. I wanted you to be a rational member of society, sir, not a damned labour agitator and a failure at that. You boasted you could sway a mob. Sway a mob! Why, man, you couldn't sway a child. You don't know the A.B.C. of public speaking.
CHARLIE. Oh, you've a right to boast. Vae Victis.
JABEZ. Yes, vanquished on your own ground, Charlie. You said you'd speak, and you've spoken. A fat lot better off you are too. Now look here, Charlie, you're a young fool, but I've alwrays been fond of you, and I'm ready to take a lenient view of this.