BUTLER. Mr. Bunting.
(Enter John Bunting. John bears some outward signs of similarity to Jabez. Like Jabez, he is elderly and corpulent. But, though hardly less assertive in tone at first, there is an underlying furtiveness, and he is extremely deferential to Jabez even while assuming an equal camaraderie with him. He wears a frock coat and has evidently modelled himself on Jabez. Clavering rises and goes r.c.)
JABEZ (Patronizingly). Oh, good evening, John. (Jabez does not rise.)
JOHN. Good evening. (Crossing r.) Good evening, Dr. Clavering. (Clavering bows—the Butler remains.)
JABEZ. What's the matter, Mallinson?
BUTLER (Very importantly). Dr. Clavering's housekeeper, sir, have telephoned from his surgery as he's wanted.
CLAV. (Briskly). Oh, I'll come at once. Excuse me, won't you? (Crossing to door l.)
BUTLER (Raising his hand. Clavering stops astonished). It's at the works you're wanted, sir. An accident, I believe.
CLAV. The works! (To Jabez.) Shall you come? Jabez. I? Certainly not. You're the man they want, not I. Sit down, John. (Jabez moves John to the chair Rosie had occupied at table r. John sits.)
CLAV. Oh, all right. I'll report later.