Bam. So he was, absolutely broke. I don't understand it at all. . Al. No more do I. Listen to this. (_Reading letter._) "I regret my inability to entertain the offer made by your company. I have reason to believe that owing to overcrowding the land is urgently wanted and that the town authorities wish to deal with the matter themselves. I am having the tennis lawns, etc., valued independently and the town may then purchase at the valuation. I shall, however, not disturb my old tenants in the Polygon, this letter referring only to the open space now used as tennis lawns." Now what in thunder do you make of that? Ste. (_looking at Walter_). You? Walter. A letter to Monte Carlo only costs tuppence-halfpenny. Bam. But hang it, Verity, the town isn't buying. Ste. On the contrary, Sam, the town is. The overcrowding is a scandal. We must have some fresh air. Smiths. Oh, don't talk like a blooming philanthropist again. Ste. I'm talking like a blooming alderman. Al. This isn't a town's meeting. It's a company meeting. Stick to company business. Ste. The company has no further business. The company is wound up. Bam. Damned if it is. This letter doesn't end all. It's your fault, Verity. You shouldn't have gone to the Polygon. You over-reached yourself. Ste. This would still have happened, Sam, in any case. Bam. I don't see it. Why? Ste. Mr. Montgomery can tell you. Bam. Well, it's not all up. Let's have what he offers. Ste. He doesn't offer us anything. He offers it to the town. Al. And the town must buy. Ste. The town shall buy. Bam. Yes; well I said houses. Let's make it houses. Model dwellings as ugly as hell, for the Polygon toffs to look at every time they poke their noses out of doors. Ste. Don't be spiteful, Sam. We've had a licking, but don't bear malice. Walter. Thank you, Mr. Verity. Ste. Oh, I'd forgotten you were there. Oblige me by going into that room for two minutes. You can wait in there till we're through. Walter. But what have I to wait for? (_Rises._) Ste. Sorry to occupy your valuable, time, but you're going to wait. You'll find a fire. (_Exit Walter l._) That chap's wasted as a curate. (_Sits._) He's beaten me! Me licked by a bricking curate! Al. But I don't understand. Ste. Oh, he got hold of our company idea, told Sir Charles and smashed our plans. That's all. Nothing very serious. We're out of pocket for a few expenses that won't hurt any of us, and we've missed a good piece of plunder. Well, the thing to do now is to turn round and do the handsome over that recreation ground. _Our_ idea for the benefit of the town! _My_ negotiations with the Polygon! If we can't get cash by it, gentlemen, let us get credit. Smiths.. And what about the rates?