[Looking round.
Pilcher. Not at all. We were just about to settle the question Mr. Barron raised last New Year's day——
Prof. Oh, yes; I remember! Curiously enough I have only this morning received the proofs of my new volume, "Free Will, the Illusion."
[Showing the proofs to Pilcher.
Pilcher. Very interesting. I should like to discuss the matter with you, but [taking out watch] I have so many New Year's calls to make. [Looking at Matt.] Perhaps we ought to get on with the—a——
Matt. Inquest.
Pilcher. Vindication.
Matt. [Accepting the correction.] Vindication.
Prof. I may perhaps be allowed to point out that Mr. Barron's novel and humorous experiment can in no sense be said to settle, or even to touch, the question of Free Will, which as I have proved here depends upon—— [Again offering the proof.
Pilcher. I should like to look through those sheets, but——