Ned (coming forward like a friend). Good evening, Mrs. Garside.

Mrs. G. (unheeding, troubled with Peter). But it'll be Mr. Mottram eome baek for his sister.

Jones. What?

[He crosses to look through the left door. Gladys enters, meeting Jones' eye.

Glad. May I go through to my brother, Mr. Garside?

Jones (falling back). Miss Mottram!

[Peter looks from one to the other like a caged animal.

Ned (with genuine feeling). Lad, lad, do you lie for the sake of lying?

Jones (triumphantly, his voice ringing). I think there'll be no dilliculty about that resignation now.

Peter (after a slight pause, tensely). On one condition.