Ste. Right. Got those papers with you, Alcorn? Alcorn. Yes. (_Fussily producing and smoothing the typewritten articles of association._) Ste. Your signature's wanted, Bamford. Bamford (_examining the paper_). Land Development Syndicate, Ltd. Sounds well, anyhow. Hullo! What's this? Registered Offices, London Wall, E.C. Alcorn. My brother's office in London. Bamford. Why? Ste. Wouldn't do to have a local address here. Some busybody 'ud smell it out. Bamford. I see. (_Suspiciously._) What does his brother get out of it? Alcorn. Nothing; and he's put down three of his clerks for one share apiece to make up the statutory seven shareholders. Those are their signatures above Smithson's and mine. (_Bamford nods._) Ste. (_dipping pen_). There's a pen. (_Bamford signs._) I'll witness. (_Calling off l._) Lucy! Bamford. I deliver this as my act and deed. (_Stephen signs without sitting. Enter Lucy, l. All rise._) Lucy. Did you call, father? Alcorn (_advancing and speaking with the respect due to a capitalist_). Good evening, Miss Verity. Ste. (_stepping back, and interposing impatiently_). Oh, never mind all that; sit down, Lucy. (_Pushing her into his vacated chair and pointing to the papers, handing pen._) Write your name there. Lucy (_vaguely_). My name? Ste. Yes. Can't you hear? See what it is? Lucy. No. (_Bamford's eyes are set on Lucy with the air of a butcher appraising a sheep._) Ste. (_impatiently_). Oh, never mind. It 'ud take a week to make you understand. You've some money lying at the bank. Mine's all tied up. I want yours for a bit, so just sign your name there. (_Lucy signs._) Say "I deliver this as my act and deed." Lucy. I deliver this as my act and deed. (_To Stephen._) It's your deed really, you know. Ste. I'll witness. (_Signs._) Right. Lucy (_reading_). The Land Development Syndicate, Ltd. (_Stephen takes the paper from under her eyes, folds and hands it to Alcorn._) Ste. You'll see to that, now? Alcorn. Yes. You're our partner, Miss Verity. Lucy (_standing_). But what's it all about? Smiths. That's right, Miss Verity. Sign first and ask afterwards. Bamford. We're buying up the Polygon. Going to make a playing field of it. (_Bamford down r._) Lucy. And presenting it to the town? (_Stephen alone doesn't look awkward._) Alcorn. Well---- Ste. (_curtly_). Yes, it 'ull come to the town. Lucy (_sentimentally_). How noble of you!' Oh, thank you! Thank you so much for letting me take a share in this---- Ste. (_interrupting_). Yes; now you go and have your supper. It's getting late. (_Exit Lucy, l._) Ste. Well, that concludes the business for tonight, gentlemen. Nothing more to be done till we hear from Sir Charles. (_Puts chair back up stage._) Alcorn. No, that's all. Ste. (_finally_). Good night, then. Alcorn. Good night, Verity. (_Crosses r._). Smiths. Good night. (_Shakes hands and crosses R._) . .. (_Smithson opens the door r. Alcorn follows him, pausing and looking back at Bamford._)