CLAV. There's no fear of my saying the same as you.
CHARLIE. Oh, I don't know. It's as well to have a plan. (Breaking off in a kind of exultation.) Oh, Clavering, Clavering, isn't it great? This is my night, my night of nights. Tell me I deserve it, old chap. Haven't I worked for it? It's been no joke to wake those fellows up from their lethargy, their ignorance, their ridiculous submission. But I did it, I alone. Oh, you've done something—the book—but you left me the men. That was what I wanted. They were mine. How I argued, wrestled, fought with them till they saw the truth, till I lighted up their dull intelligence and fanned the spark till it became the flame that this night's work shall cause to blaze and demolish! (Clavering stands in a noncommittal attitude, but Charlie does not note his detachment.) You mustn't grudge it me, Clavering. It's my night of triumph, the culminating point of all my efforts. I haven't a doubt in me. I'm so right, so utterly right. Nothing can stand before me now. They've tried to stop me—my father, Thompson—and they've failed. Truth must out. There must be justice at all costs, Clavering, at all costs. This is the dawn of a new era for Thompson's men. Congratulate me, my ally! Oh, but I don't want your help. It's kind of you to come, but tonight I need no aid. I'm strong. I could sweep them off their feet in there. But yes, you must come with me. Come, let us go. (Clutching Clavering as if to carry him bodily in.)
CLAV. (eluding him). Not yet.
CHARLIE (astonished). Why not?
CLAV. I cannot come with you.
CHARLIE. But why? We've the same ideas about these things.
CLAV. (significantly). We had.
CHARLIE (puzzled). We had? What do you mean?
CLAV. Don't be angry with me. I've been thinking over the thing and—well—things have been happening.
CHARLIE. You don't—no, it can't be true—I can't believe it. You! The book! (Realizing it.) Good God, he's bought you off.