Alcorn. Coming, Bamford? Bamford. No, I want a word with Verity. Smiths, (_suspiciously_). Business, eh, Mr. Bamford? Bamford. Not about the Company. (_Glancing involuntarily after Lucy._) Something else. (_Exeunt Smithson and Alcorn._) Ste. Well, Bamford? Have anything? I've a better port downstairs than the Polygon toffs can run to. Bamford. No, thanks. (_Stephen looks relieved, Bamford sits. Their positions reproduce those of Stephen and Walter at the opening._) Ste. (_taking his pipe from the mantelpiece_). I'll have a pipe, if you don't mind. Well, what's up with you? Bamford (_jerking his thumb towards the left door_). It's about her. Ste. Aye? Well, I like a man that comes to the point sharp. Bamford. Perhaps you wouldn't call me a marrying man? (_Sitting below fire._) Ste. You've not done it yet that I know of. Bamford. Never too late to mend. I'm a bit struck with that daughter of yours, Verity. Ste. I noticed you were when I mentioned she had money. Bamford. Well, I'm the last man to deny that money's a very important thing in life. Ste. It's a useful thing to have about the house. Bamford. I was thinking we might come to an arrangement. Ste. It's not impossible.. Bamford. Eh! Ste. Only she's a bit young. Bamford. Meaning to say I'm a bit old, eh? I'm sound and hearty. Ste. So's t'other fellow, and more her age. Bamford (_rising_). The other fellow?' Ste. (_remaining seated_). Aye. You thought you were being smart, didn't you? Seeing a good thing and dashing at it prompt; but you're the second man to come to me to-night over Lucy, for all that. Bamford (_anxiously_). Is she promised? Ste. No. . Bamford (_relieved_). Ah! Ste. The man that weds my daughter takes a tidy bit of money with her. Bamford. It'll find some more of its own kidney if she brings it to me. Ste. To tell you the truth, Sam, I'm not struck on the idea of losing her at all. But she's got a fancy in her head and it's one I don't cotton to. Best cure might be to put you there instead and be sure of her not making a fool of herself. Bamford. Then I'm not too late. (_Sits again._) Ste. You're the best man up to now. Bamford. Well---- Ste. See here, Sam. It's like this. That girl can look high. Question is, are you high enough? Bamford. Which way? Ste. Money. Bamford. Depends what you call high. Ste. Yes... (_half apologetically._) I've a right to know before I put it to her. Bamford (_after slight hesitation_). Well, I'll tell you this: you know what my father left? Ste. Yes. Bamford. There's more to-day. (_They exchange looks._) Ste. (_rising with resolution_). That 'ull do. (_Opens left door._) Lucy, come back a minute. Bamford (_rises in alarm_). I'm not what you call a parlour ladies' man. Ste. I'll stand by you. (_Enter Lucy._) Now then. (_Crosses r._) Lucy. You want me? Ste. (_indicating Bamford_). He does. Bamford (_awkwardly_). Yes, I do, Miss Verity. That's just what I do. I want you. (_Lucy is puzzled._)