Alcorn (briskly). Evening, Verity.
(Bamford nods bluffly at Stephen.)
Ste. Sit down. Any news?
(Stephen sits c. above table, Bamford r. and Alcorn l. of table.)
Alcorn (producing letter from his pocket). Yes, my brother's sent this on. (Hands letter to Stephen.) From Sir Charles' agent. He's abroad, Sir Charles.
Bamford. Yes, confound him. How dare he be abroad when we want him?
(Stephen reads the letter.)
Ste. (looking up). Dodging duns. (To Bamford.) You've seen this?
Bamford (gloomily). Yes.
Alcorn (equally gloomily). It's not encouraging.