pressing it as if to hold his attention with it). That's wot I
used tee think, Mr. Morchbanks. Hi thought long enough that it
was honly 'is hopinions; though, mind you, hopinions becomes
vurry serious things when people takes to hactin on 'em as 'e
does. But that's not wot I go on. (He looks round to make sure
that they are alone, and bends over to Eugene's ear.) Wot do you
think he says to me this mornin' in this very room?

MARCHBANKS. What?

BURGESS. He sez to me--this is as sure as we're settin' here
now--he sez: "I'm a fool," he sez;--"and yore a scounderl"--as
cool as possible. Me a scounderl, mind you! And then shook 'ands
with me on it, as if it was to my credit! Do you mean to tell me
that that man's sane?

MORELL. (outside, calling to Proserpine, holding the door open).
Get all their names and addresses, Miss Garnett.

PROSERPINE (in the distance). Yes, Mr. Morell.

(Morell comes in, with the deputation's documents in his hands.)

BURGESS (aside to Marchbanks). Yorr he is. Just you keep your
heye on him and see. (Rising momentously.) I'm sorry, James, to
'ave to make a complaint to you. I don't want to do it; but I
feel I oughter, as a matter o' right and duty.

MORELL. What's the matter?