RICHARD.
The room is rather dark, I think, with the blind down but if you wish...
ROBERT.
[Quickly.] Not at all. I know what it is—the result of night work.
RICHARD.
[Sits on the lounge.] Must you?
ROBERT.
[Sighs.] Eh, yes. I must see part of the paper through every night. And then my leading articles. We are approaching a difficult moment. And not only here.
RICHARD.
[After a slight pause.] Have you any news?
ROBERT.
[In a different voice.] Yes. I want to speak to you seriously. Today may be an important day for you—or rather, tonight. I saw the vicechancellor this morning. He has the highest opinion of you, Richard. He has read your book, he said.
RICHARD.
Did he buy it or borrow it?
ROBERT.
Bought it, I hope.
RICHARD.
I shall smoke a cigarette. Thirtyseven copies have now been sold in Dublin.
[He takes a cigarette from the box on the table, and lights it.]