[ANTHONY nods.] And, of course, my
wife's just had another; and so it makes me doubly anxious just now.
And the rates are really terrible down our way.
ANTHONY. [With grim amusement.] Not more terrible than they are up
mine.
TENCH. No, Sir? [Very nervously.] I know the Company means a great
deal to you, sir.
ANTHONY. It does; I founded it.
TENCH. Yes, Sir. If the strike goes on it'll be very serious. I
think the Directors are beginning to realise that, sir.
ANTHONY. [Ironically.] Indeed?
TENCH. I know you hold very strong views, sir, and it's always your
habit to look things in the face; but I don't think the Directors--
like it, sir, now they--they see it.
ANTHONY. [Grimly.] Nor you, it seems.
TENCH. [With the ghost of a smile.] No, sir; of course I've got my
children, and my wife's delicate; in my position I have to think of
these things.
[ANTHONY nods.]
It was n't that I was going to say, sir, if you'll excuse me----
[hesitates]
ANTHONY. Out with it, then!
TENCH. I know--from my own father, sir, that when you get on in life
you do feel things dreadfully----
ANTHONY. [Almost paternally.] Come, out with it, Trench!
TENCH. I don't like to say it, sir.
Pages:
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218