GUY. Very well. Barlow & Son decline your offer with thanks, Mr. Heppenstall. (He turns to table, pours wine and drinks.)
JOHN. Barlow, do you mean to tell me——?
EPHRAIM. I give him best, Heppenstall. The lad is a stronger man than I am. Henceforth I am a looker-on.
GUY (seated at table). Father, hand me those plans.
EPHRAIM. Plans, Guy?
GUY. The new factory, man. Do you think there's time to waste? (He finds pistol uncomfortable in his pocket, takes out and puts on table.) Hah! That's finished with. I use a stronger weapon. This. (Taking up pen and bending over the plans which Ephraim has put before him.)
JOHN. Come away, Barlow.
EPHRAIM. Yes. Yes. I think—(he follows John haltingly to door.)
(Exeunt Ephraim and John. Guy is busy with the plans. Enter Ruth quickly. She closes door and leans against it, panting.)
RUTH. Guy!