after all. One--two--

JAMES (on his knees, with uplifted hands, in an agony of terror).
Philip! Mercy! What are your terms?

PHILIP (picking him up by the scruff, and helping him into the
chair). Good man, that's the way to talk. I'll get them for you.
Make yourself comfortable in front of the fire till I come back.
Here's the paper. (He gives his uncle the paper, and goes out into
the hall.)

***

(JAMES opens his eyes with a start and looks round him in a
bewildered way. He rubs his heart, takes out his match and looks at
it, and then stares round the room again. The door from the dining-room
opens, and PHILIP comes in with a piece of toast in his hand.)

PHILIP (his mouth full). You wanted to see me, Uncle James?

JAMES (still bewildered). That's all right, my boy, that's all
right. What have you been doing?

PHILIP (surprised). Breakfast. (Putting the last piece in his
mouth) Rather late, I'm afraid.

JAMES. That's all right. (He laughs awkwardly.)

PHILIP. Anything the matter? You don't look your usual bright self.