Sud. There is no time to discuss synonyms. Go on, Miss Ivory.
Miss Ivory. Oh! Jack—hello!—where'd you come from?
Ruler. I was in the neighborhood looking at some real estate—Hello, Inkwell—how's the strike?
[Miss Ivory and Ruler cross to give Ruler the center.]
Inkwell. If you could persuade Mr. Ivory to—
Ruler. No—Inkwell—I'm not converted to your view! I have my own theories!
Sud [at left speaks across in delight to Wouldby]. Now we are coming to the kernel of the play's success. The new viewpoint—Use all the stock character and situations you want, but add a new twist.
Wouldby. What does Ruler think?
Sud. Listen.
Ruler. I believe sternly in justice—righteous expiation of sin—only in that way can we progress to higher things.