John: I don’t think you understand.
Mr. Freeman: I daresay I shan’t—but I’ll have a dam’ good try. I’m not quite a fool, though you think I am ... any other man employed in the firm who did what you’ve done to-day without good reason would get the sack. I want to know your reason. Exactly.
John: It will sound very trivial.
Mr. Freeman: That doesn’t matter ... I’m waiting.
John: I’m trying to write.
Mr. Freeman: What d’you mean—“write”?
John: Articles; and a book——
Mr. Freeman: What about?
John: ... the world in general.
Mr. Freeman: What for?