CHARLEY. [_with a sort of defiance._] Why should I? What's to hinder me leaving? Why shouldn't I go to Morgan and say, "Look here--just tell those directors that I won't stand it! I'm not going to be put up or down--take this or that--at their will and pleasure." _There is a burst of laughter from the inner room._ FENWICK. That's all very well--and if you've got something else-- CHARLEY. [_fiercely._] I haven't--not an idea of one--but why should that hinder? Look at Tennant, he's chucked his job and no one wanted to take off anything. FENWICK. [_quite undisturbed._] Tennant? Oh, he's going to the Colonies? Very risky. I nearly went there myself once. CHARLEY. Why didn't you quite? FENWICK. Various things. All my people were against it. Oh, well, what was the good of going? It was only a passing fancy, I daresay. Once you leave a place the chances are you won't get another. There are so many of us. . . . CHARLEY. Of course, it's safe and it's wise and it's sensible and all that--but it's _damnable._ FENWICK. It's come suddenly to you--I've almost got used to the idea. [_With a little laugh._] You do, you know, after a little. You're young. . . . [_With sigh._] Well, there it is. [_A pause._] But I'd looked for that rise. It'll make a difference. [_Pulling himself together._] However, it can't be helped. We've got something left and I'm safe, and that's more than a good many people can say. I'm sorry I came tonight, Wilson. _LESLIE'S voice can be heard, shouting out a comic song._ [_Smiling._] Life doesn't seem to worry him. CHARLEY. Won't you stay and have supper? FENWICK. Thanks, no. I don't feel exactly sociable. CHARLEY. [_with a short laugh._] Neither do I, old chap. Fact is, I was feeling a bit off when you came. FENWICK. You're a little restless, but it'll work off. Look at me. I felt like that once. _They go out._ _The curtains are pulled wide and LESLIE and PERCY MASSEY enter. TENNANT can be seen in the front parlour._ LESLIE. May we interrupt? [_Looking around._] Empty was the cradle. _Re-enter CHARLEY._ Where's the business? CHARLEY. Fenwick's been, but he's just gone. LESLIE. Fenwick? Wasn't cheerful company, was he? CHARLEY. [_crossly._] What's the matter with him? LESLIE. He never is, that's all. CHARLEY. He isn't exactly boisterous. He nearly emigrated once, he tells me. TENNANT. [_coming forward._] Why didn't he quite? LESLIE. Not enough devil in him. Hundreds of 'em almost go. CHARLEY. Did you?