George Winter.
We must risk it. It’s the last fling.
[The Butler ushers in Mr. Swalecliffe, James Ford and Colonel Boyce. Mr. Swalecliffe is a Nonconformist Minister, clean shaven, with a sallow grave face. James Ford is a wealthy man, a pillar of the Nonconformist church in Middlepool and a local politician of importance; he is a large man, stout, oldish, badly dressed, with a slight North Country accent; he gives the impression of shrewdness, but also of complete honesty and straightforwardness. Colonel Boyce, who is George Winter’s agent, is spare and tall, bronzed, with grey hair and a grey waxed moustache; alert, neatly dressed and dapper. He is the kind of retired military man who may be seen by the score in Bath, Tunbridge Wells or Cheltenham.
Thompson.
Mr. Swalecliffe, Mr. James Ford, Colonel Boyce.
[Exit.
George Winter.
How d’you do? I’m delighted to see you! I hope I haven’t kept you waiting?
James Ford.
Not a bit! It’s of no consequence.