PERCY. Do you mean. . . . CHARLEY. [_impatiently._] Oh, don't look so scandalised. No, I'm not tired of Lily. It's not that at all--but, are you satisfied to be a clerk all your life? PERCY. I say, Tennant's upset you. Of course I'm satisfied to be a clerk. CHARLEY. But _are_ you? PERCY. [_impatiently._] Don't I say so? CHARLEY. Have you ever felt a desire to kick your hat into the fire? Have you? PERCY. No! Not yet! CHARLEY. Not yet. There you are--but you will. Don't you ever want to see anything more of the world--did you ever have that feeling? PERCY. [_a little thoughtfully._] Well, I did once. I wanted to go out with Robinson. But the dad wouldn't consent. It was a bit risky, you know, and this job came along--and so I wouldn't go. CHARLEY. Did Robinson come back? PERCY. No, he's got a decent little place out there. CHARLEY. They don't all fail, then? PERCY. Of course not--but lots do. I might be one of those. CHARLEY. Well, the thing is if you ever thought of doing anything now's your time. You can't do it afterwards. Take my tip and don't get engaged yet. You're too young to decide such an important question. PERCY. No younger than you were--and I must say. . . . CHARLEY. Don't be so touchy--can't you see I'm talking to you for your good? PERCY. I think you're crazed. CHARLEY. [_sharply._] Why am I crazed, as you call it? Isn't it because I know a little what your life is going to be? Haven't I gone backwards and forwards to the city every day of my life since I was sixteen and am I crazed because I suggest it's a bit monotonous? [_Going close to PERCY and putting his hand on his shoulder solemnly._] I'm not saying she isn't the right girl for you--I'm only suggesting that perhaps she isn't! She's pretty and she's handy. . . . PERCY. I say! I won't have that. CHARLEY. Don't. Pass it over. It's just this--think--and don't marry the first pretty girl and live in three rooms because your brother-in-law did it. PERCY. She wasn't--the first pretty girl. . . . SYBIL. [_appearing at opening and smiling demurely._] Mrs. Wilson says--Oh, Mr. Wilson, have you been fighting? CHARLEY. [_suddenly remembering that he has his coat off._] I beg your pardon. [_He pulls it on hastily._] [_To PERCY._] Remember! PERCY. [_with his eyes on SYBIL._] Rot! [_Goes back with SYBIL._] LILY. [_coming towards him._] Who said anything about fighting? Now I suppose you've been arguing with everybody and shouted at them. You do get so cross when you argue--don't you, dear? Supper is quite ready. I sent Sybil to tell you. . . . CHARLEY. Sybil's feeding Percy. She's got all her work cut out. LILY. How rude you are! Do you know, I'm quite angry with you. You've hardly been in the whole evening. CHARLEY. Fenwick. . . . LILY. Yes, I saw him. He looks so lifeless, don't you think? CHARLEY. He says I shall grow like him. LILY. What an idea! Why, how could you?