TULLY (picking up telegram from table L.C.). Oh! Here’s a telegram! Telegrams always make me feel so nervous! (Opens it and reads.) It’s from Aunt Hannah, she’s coming up to-day. I’ve been expecting her for the last three weeks. I am the only relation she has, and in order to avoid the death-duties she’s going to make a Deed of Gift to me amounting to several thousand pounds!
JOHN. Several thousand pounds! Now that is mean. Look at the trouble you’ve put me to. You might have lent me the money and so saved me a fortnight’s illness.
TULLY (rises). Will you accept the £500 from me?
JOHN. I suppose I must.
TULLY. That is good of you!
JOHN. Not at all! You have such a winning way with you. One can’t help doing as you wish.
TULLY (smiles broadly). That’s taken a great load off my mind. The old lady is very generous. Directly she arrives we must both be very nice to her.
JOHN. Trust me for that. And I can be nice when I like.
TULLY. I know you can. But what about the ’Bus Company?