JOHN. Yes. Jabez has us at his mercy.
CHARLIE. I'm as far as ever from seeing why he's doing it.
JOHN. Oh, that's plain enough. He's a good sort, is Jabez.
CHARLIE (staggered). What!
JOHN. Oh, yes, really a good sort, only he likes to play boss. That's why he kept mum about my business—so that he could do as he liked with me. And then Rosie took a fancy to you; so old Jabez steps in to play providence to a pair of lovers. He's meant well all along.
CHARLIE. He's a sentimental ass. Curse his good intentions.
JOHN. You may curse them, but you'll not alter them. Jabez will have his way. Right or wrong, he will have his way, he always does. You may call him obstinate, pig-headed, anything you like, but, mark my words, it's no use fighting against him.
CHARLIE (contemptuously). You're frightened of him.
JOHN (with conviction). Terribly.
CHARLIE. Well, I'm not.