Lucy. You’ve a great many letters?
Ned. A few friends inquiring after me.
Lucy. More creditors?
Ned. A regular assortment. I have ’em of all sizes—big and little; of all styles—polite to peremptory; of all nations—Jew and Gentile. (opens another letter) Another lawyer’s letter! (Lucy goes up to Tom) “Unless the amount, together with our charges, five and sixpence, be at once remitted——” Just so—common form. (opens another letter)
Lucy. Getting on, Mr. Potter?
Tom. Famously.
Lucy. I can begin to make out what it’s going to be.
Tom. Don’t say that, please.
Lucy. Why not?
Tom. I shall be told I am a servile copyist without a soul.