CLAV. (flatteringly). You do know how to manage them, sir.
JABEZ. It's cheap at a handshake. You might cut along after them and talk to the men as they come out. See what I mean? (Walking with Clavering to the door r.). We can't make too sure of a thing. (Clavering nods and goes out r., lifting coat and hat from rack r. as he goes. Jabez turns and sees Charlie.) Well, Charlie, not sulking, are you? (Claps Charlie on the shoulder.)
CHARLIE (rises). You'd no right to speak, Mr. Thompson. It was my meeting, not yours.
JABEZ. Oh come, Charlie. All's fair in love and war. You can't tell me I didn't give you your chance. You'd done before I went in. Come, shake hands and be friends. You're fairly beaten. Take your gruel like a man.
CHARLIE (Jerking his head up). Yes, I'm beaten this time. But it won't be so always, and you needn't think it will. Ingrained conservatism and a silly tradition of loyalty have won for you this time. You've bamboozled the majority to-night; but to-night's majority is the minority of to-morrow.
JABEZ. Look here, Charlie. Take an old man's advice and give it up. You've had your fling with the men and a pretty hash you've made of it.
CHARLIE. Oh, I'm giving it up all right. You needn't worry about that. I'm going away.
ROSIE (involuntarily). Going away! (She makes a slight move forward.)
JABEZ. Where?
CHARLIE (ignoring Rosie—to Jabez). Oh, I don't know. I'm clearing out of this. I haven't thought where. What does that matter?