Till war's begun, Mrs. More, you're entitled to say what
you like, no doubt--but after! That's going against your country.
Ah! his speech was strong, you know--his speech was strong.
KATHERINE. He had made up his mind to speak. It was just an
accident the news coming then.
[A silence.]
BANNING. Well, that's true, I suppose. What we really want is to
make sure he won't break out again.
HOME. Very high-minded, his views of course--but, some consideration
for the common herd. You'll pardon me!
SHELDER. We've come with the friendliest feelings, Mrs. More--but,
you know, it won't do, this sort of thing!
WACE. We shall be able to smooth him down. Oh! surely.
BANNING. We'd be best perhaps not to mention about his knowing that
fighting had begun.
[As he speaks, MORE enters through the French windows. They all
rise.]
MORE. Good-morning, gentlemen.
[He comes down to the table, but does not offer to shake hands.]
BANNING. Well, Mr. More? You've made a woeful mistake, sir; I tell
you to your face.
MORE. As everybody else does, Banning. Sit down again, please.
[They gradually resume their seats, and MORE sits in KATHERINE's
chair. She alone remains standing leaning against the corner of
the bay window, watching their faces.]
BANNING. You've seen the morning's telegrams? I tell you, Mr.
More--another reverse like that, and the flood will sweep you clean
away. And I'll not blame it.
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