Ellery. (Entering) Can I see you a moment?

Rodney. I should say you could.

Peale. You seem very beastly pleased, Ellery.

Ellery. Oh, I am.

Rodney. Then everything’s all right about father?

Ellery. Oh, yes, so to speak—in a way.

Rodney. Ah?

Peale. (Suddenly suspicious) What do you mean—so to speak, in a way?

Ellery. Well, I couldn’t reach the old man on the ’phone, and that did make matters so much easier. I don’t fancy talking to father on the ’phone.

Peale. Why couldn’t you reach him?