[Nodding.] Awfully sorry, Professor. You see, we----
CALWAY. Not at all. Only, I must decline to be involved in
argument with him, please.
BERTLEY. He has experience. We might get his opinion, don't you
think?
CALWAY. On a point of reform? A J.P.!
BERTLEY. [Deprecating.] My dear Sir--we needn't take it.
[The three knocks resound with extraordinary fury.]
ANN. You'd better open the door, Daddy.
[WELLWYN opens the door. SIR, THOMAS HOXTON is disclosed in a
fur overcoat and top hat. His square, well-coloured face is
remarkable for a massive jaw, dominating all that comes above
it. His Voice is resolute.]
HOXTON. Afraid I didn't make myself heard.
WELLWYN. So good of you to come, Sir Thomas. Canon Bertley! [They
greet.] Professor CALWAY you know, I think.
HOXTON. [Ominously.] I do.
[They almost greet. An awkward pause.]
ANN. [Blurting it out.] That old cabman I told you of's been
drinking father's rum.
BERTLEY. We were just discussing what's to be done with him, Sir
Thomas. One wants to do the very best, of course. The question of
reform is always delicate.
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