Colonel Wharton.

[Good-humouredly.] Come, my boy, you’re not going to refuse the first request your mother has made you since you came back?

John.

I’m awfully sorry, mother. I beg you not to insist.

Mrs. Wharton.

I don’t quite know what you mean. It’s not like you to be obstinate.... Won’t you come, John?

John.

No, mother.

Colonel Wharton.

Why not?