JAMES. Well, look at it! It's been creepin' down ever since I knew you. Talk of your sacrifices in the war--they put you on your honour, and you got stout on it. Rations--not 'arf. POULDER. [Staring at him] For independence, I've never seen your equal, James. You might be an Australian. JAMES. [Suavely] Keep a civil tongue, or I'll throw you to the crowd! [He comes forward to the table] Shall I tell you why I favour the gov'nor? Because, with all his pomp, he's a gentleman, as much as I am. Never asks you to do what he wouldn't do himself. What's more, he never comes it over you. If you get drunk, or--well, you understand me, Poulder--he'll just say: "Yes, yes; I know, James!" till he makes you feel he's done it himself. [Sinking his voice mysteriously] I've had experience with him, in the war and out. Why he didn't even hate the Huns, not as he ought. I tell you he's no Christian. POULDER. Well, for irreverence----! JAMES. [Obstinately] And he'll never be. He's got too soft a heart. L. ANNE. [Beneath the table-shrilly] Hurrah! POULDER. [Jumping] Come out, Miss Anne! JAMES. Let 'er alone! POULDER. In there, under the bomb? JAMES. [Contemptuously] Silly ass! You should take 'em lying down! POULDER. Look here, James! I can't go on in this revolutionary spirit; either you or I resign. JAMES. Crisis in the Cabinet! POULDER. I give you your marchin' orders. JAMES. [Ineffably] What's that you give me? POULDER. Thomas, remove James! [THOMAS grins.] L. ANNE. [Who, with open mouth, has crept out to see the fun] Oh! Do remove James, Thomas! POULDER. Go on, Thomas. [THOMAS takes one step towards JAMES, who lays a hand on the Chinese mat covering the bomb.] JAMES. [Grimly] If I lose control of meself. L. ANNE. [Clapping her hands] Oh! James! Do lose control! Then I shall see it go off! JAMES. [To POULDER] Well, I'll merely empty the pail over you! POULDER. This is not becomin'! [He walks out into the hall.] JAMES. Another strategic victory! What a Boche he'd have made. As you were, Tommy! [THOMAS returns to the door. The sound of prolonged applause cornea from within.] That's a bishop. L. ANNE. Why? JAMES. By the way he's drawin'. It's the fine fightin' spirit in 'em. They were the backbone o' the war. I see there's a bit o' the old stuff left in you, Tommy. L. ANNE. [Scrutinizing the widely--grinning THOM] Where? Is it in his mouth? JAMES. You've still got a sense of your superiors. Didn't you notice how you moved to Poulder's orders, me boy; an' when he was gone, to mine? L. ANNE. [To THOMAS] March! [The grinning THOMAS remains immovable.] He doesn't, James! JAMES. Look here, Miss Anne--your lights ought to be out before ten. Close in, Tommy! [He and THOMAS move towards her.] L. ANNE. [Dodging] Oh, no! Oh, no! Look!