LEVER. All I can tell you is: This is as far as we've got, and we want more money before we can get any farther.
COLONEL. [Absently.] Yes, yes; that's very usual.
LEVER. If you ask my personal opinion I think it's very doubtful that the gold does go down.
COLONEL. [Smiling.] Oh! a personal opinion a matter of this sort!
LEVER. [As though about to take the papers.] Perhaps we'd better close the sitting, sir; sorry to have bored you.
COLONEL. Now, now! Don't be so touchy! If I'm to put money in, I'm bound to look at it all round.
LEVER. [With lifted brows.] Please don't imagine that I want you to put money in.
COLONEL. Confound it, sir! D 'you suppose I take you for a Company promoter?
LEVER. Thank you!
COLONEL. [Looking at him doubtfully.] You've got Irish blood in you—um? You're so hasty!