ANTHONY. [With grim amusement.] Not more terrible than they are up mine. TENCH. No, Sir? [Very nervously.] I know the Company means a great deal to you, sir. ANTHONY. It does; I founded it. TENCH. Yes, Sir. If the strike goes on it'll be very serious. I think the Directors are beginning to realise that, sir. ANTHONY. [Ironically.] Indeed? TENCH. I know you hold very strong views, sir, and it's always your habit to look things in the face; but I don't think the Directors-- like it, sir, now they--they see it. ANTHONY. [Grimly.] Nor you, it seems. TENCH. [With the ghost of a smile.] No, sir; of course I've got my children, and my wife's delicate; in my position I have to think of these things. [ANTHONY nods.] It was n't that I was going to say, sir, if you'll excuse me---- [hesitates] ANTHONY. Out with it, then! TENCH. I know--from my own father, sir, that when you get on in life you do feel things dreadfully---- ANTHONY. [Almost paternally.] Come, out with it, Trench! TENCH. I don't like to say it, sir. ANTHONY. [Stonily.] You Must. TENCH. [After a pause, desperately bolting it out.] I think the Directors are going to throw you over, sir. ANTHONY. [Sits in silence.] Ring the bell! [TENCH nervously rings the bell and stands by the fire.] TENCH. Excuse me for saying such a thing. I was only thinking of you, sir. [FROST enters from the hall, he comes to the foot of the table, and looks at ANTHONY; TENCH coveys his nervousness by arranging papers.] ANTHONY. Bring me a whiskey and soda. FROST. Anything to eat, sir? [ANTHONY shakes his head. FROST goes to the sideboard, and prepares the drink.] TENCH. [In a low voice, almost supplicating.] If you could see your way, sir, it would be a great relief to my mind, it would indeed. [He looks up at ANTHONY, who has not moved.] It does make me so very anxious. I haven't slept properly for weeks, sir, and that's a fact. [ANTHONY looks in his face, then slowly shakes his head.] [Disheartened.] No, Sir? [He goes on arranging papers.] [FROST places the whiskey and salver and puts it down by ANTHONY'S right hand. He stands away, looking gravely at ANTHONY.] FROST. Nothing I can get you, sir? [ANTHONY shakes his head.] You're aware, sir, of what the doctor said, sir? ANTHONY. I am. [A pause. FROST suddenly moves closer to him, and speaks in a low voice.] FROST. This strike, sir; puttin' all this strain on you. Excuse me, sir, is it--is it worth it, sir? [ANTHONY mutters some words that are inaudible.] Very good, sir! [He turns and goes out into the hall. TENCH makes two attempts to speak; but meeting his Chairman's gaze he drops his eyes, and, turning dismally, he too goes out. ANTHONY is left alone. He grips the glass, tilts it, and drinks deeply; then sets it down with a deep and rumbling sigh, and leans back in his chair.]