Ste. You've no need. You know so much about it you can stay and listen to the rest. (Gets chair.)
(Stephen sits at head of table. Bamford, Smithson, Alcorn sit as in Act II. Lucy stands r., Walter sits below fire.)
Alcorn. Well, gentlemen, he won't sell. (Taking out letter.)
Ste. Refuses to sell? What does this mean?
Smiths, (to Bamford). And you assured us he was broke.
Bam. So he was, absolutely broke. I don't understand it at all. .
Al. No more do I. Listen to this. (Reading letter.) "I regret my inability to entertain the offer made by your company. I have reason to believe that owing to overcrowding the land is urgently wanted and that the town authorities wish to deal with the matter themselves. I am having the tennis lawns, etc., valued independently and the town may then purchase at the valuation. I shall, however, not disturb my old tenants in the Polygon, this letter referring only to the open space now used as tennis lawns." Now what in thunder do you make of that?
Ste. (looking at Walter). You?
Walter. A letter to Monte Carlo only costs tuppence-halfpenny.
Bam. But hang it, Verity, the town isn't buying.