CHARLIE. Of course. Don't let me detain you, old man. I'll read this at once. Thanks for bringing it.
CLAV. Right you are. Good-bye. I'll go this way. It's shorter. (Opening door at hack R.C.)
CHARLIE. Do. Good-bye.
(Exit Clavering, r.c. Charlie unfolds the proof and reads it, moving towards the door at hack. Enter Lomax.)
LOMAX. Mr. Thompson has just come in, sir. (Crossing to desk.)
CHARLIE. All right. Let him know Mrs. Wilcock's there. I shall be in the laboratory if he asks for me.
(Exit Charlie, r.c. Lomax fusses about the desk for a moment. Jabez comes in L. takes off his hat and coat and hangs them by the door. Lomax stands to attention at the desk.)
JABEZ. Good morning, Lomax.
LOMAX (deferentially). Good morning, sir. (Pause.) Jabez. Anything fresh there?
LOMAX. Not very much, I'm afraid.