JOHN. Good morning, Jabez. (Crossing to Jabez.) Yes, I called about the monthly accounts. I've got the total here, if you'll sign me a cheque.
JABEZ (grimly). You'd better talk to Charlie about that.
JOHN. Charlie!
JABEZ. Yes. Here he is with a bee in his bonnet as usual. Look at him, John.
JOHN. What is it, Charlie? Wasn't everything settled last night?
JABEZ. Oh, you're not quite up to date, John. We move fast nowadays, don't we, Charlie?
CHARLIE. I wish to God we did. (Sitting on armchair l. of fire.)
JABEZ. The latest is that some fools amongst the men want to strike. Lord knows what they think they'll get by striking, but let me introduce you. John, to the strike leader.
JOHN. Charlie, you couldn't——
JABEZ. Oh, he believes in variety, John, that's what it is. Last night Rosie, this morning no Rosie. The men are the latest love. It's off with the old and on with the new.