COKESON. [Fortified by this look] This won't do, you know, this won't do at all. Suppose one of the partners came in!     

CONTENTS

         An incoherent knocking and chuckling is heard from the outer door of the outer office.       

       SWEEDLE. [Putting his head in] There's some children outside here.     

       RUTH. They're mine, please.     

       SWEEDLE. Shall I hold them in check?     

       RUTH. They're quite small, sir. [She takes a step towards COKESON]     

       COKESON. You mustn't take up his time in office hours; we're a clerk short as it is.     

       RUTH. It's a matter of life and death.     

       COKESON. [Again outraged] Life and death!     

       SWEEDLE. Here is Falder.     

CONTENTS

         FALDER has entered through the outer office. He is a pale, good-looking young man, with quick, rather scared eyes. He moves towards the door of the clerks' office, and stands there irresolute.       

       COKESON. Well, I'll give you a minute. It's not regular.     

CONTENTS

         Taking up a bundle of papers, he goes out into the partners' room.       

       RUTH. [In a low, hurried voice] He's on the drink again, Will. He tried to cut my throat last night. I came out with the children before he was awake. I went round to you.     

       FALDER. I've changed my digs.     

       RUTH. Is it all ready for to-night?     

       FALDER. I've got the tickets. Meet me 11.45 at the booking office. For God's sake don't forget we're man and wife! [Looking at 

 Prev. P 5/85 next