JABEZ (settling himself comfortably in his chair). Of course. Very proper, very proper. And we've the Insurance Company to fall back on. I tell you what, Charlie, they'll be raising our premium if things go on like this. Two fatal accidents in a mouth. I suppose there's a widow. There usually is.
CHARLIE. Yes. There's a widow and six children. (Going up l.)
JABEZ. (Turning to John) I don't know how it is, but it always is the married men who get killed. (To Charlie.) Well, I don't see what there is to make all this fuss about, Charlie. Accidents will happen. Upon my word, you quite frightened me for a moment. Ring the bell and have some dinner.
CHARLIE (shuddering). I can't eat. I've just seen a man killed. Oh, it's horrible, horrible. (Sits on sofa l., burying head in hands.)
JABEZ. Nonsense, man. Pull yourself together. It's deplorable, of course—a most distressing occurrence—but no reason for going without your dinner. What did I tell you, John? Charlie's too soft for this world.
CHARLIE (raising head). Don't you understand? I saw the lift crash down. I was there when they got out the poor, broken, mangled body from amongst the blood-stained splinters. I saw——
JABEZ. Excuse me, Charlie, but I've just had my dinner. Kindly have the delicacy not to enter into, details.
CHARLIE. Very well. I—oh, I think I'll go home. Good night. (Going.)
JOHN. Wait a moment, Charlie. (Charlie's hand is on the door-knob L.) We were just speaking about you. Hadn't we better thrash this matter out now, Jabez?
JABEZ (grimly). I'm agreeable if Charlie is.