CHARLIE. I refuse to sit at it.
JABEZ. Oh, I don't think so. (Walking up with drink and sitting l. of fire, putting glass on mantel.) You see, Charlie, your father's so very respectable; he simply radiates respectability. Gad, I shall never forget old John's face when he was up in town with me for the first time and I took him to the Empire. He got used to it later on, though. But it's different down here. He's the champion bazaar opener of the district. Quite a great man in his way is old John. Yes, we can't have a scandal, Charlie. It really would not do.
CHARLIE. You must do as you like about that. It's his affair. And anyhow it's absurd to talk of it as a scandal.
JABEZ. He wouldn't say so. How shockingly unfilial you are!
CHARLIE. Possibly. I've myself to look after.
JABEZ. Still fighting? (He takes a drink.)
CHARLIE. Yes. If I can't touch you through Rosie, I can touch you through something still dearer.
JABEZ (sarcastically). And what may that be?
CHARLIE. Your pocket.
TABEZ. What do you mean?