EDWARD. Of course no one has ever discovered . . and no one suspects this state of things? MR. VOYSEY. Peacey knows. EDWARD. Peacey! MR. VOYSEY. His father found out. EDWARD. Oh. Does he draw hush money? MR. VOYSEY. [_curling a little at the word._] It is my custom to make a little present every Christmas. Not a cheque . . notes in an envelope. [_He becomes benevolent._] I don't grudge the money . . Peacey's a devoted fellow. EDWARD. Naturally this would be a heavily taxed industry. [_then he smiles at his vision of the mild old clerk._] Peacey! There's another thing I want to ask, sir. Have you ever under stress of circumstances done worse than just make use of a client's capital? You boasted to me yesterday that no one had ever suffered in pocket because of you. Is that absolutely true? MR. VOYSEY _draws himself up, dignified and magniloquent_. MR. VOYSEY. My dear Edward, for the future my mind is open to you, you can discover for yourself how matters stand to-day. But I decline to gratify your curiosity as to what is over and done with. EDWARD. [_with entire comprehension._] Thank you, sir. The condition I wish to make is that we should really do what we have pretended to be doing . . try and put the accounts straight. MR. VOYSEY. [_with a little polite shrug._] I've no doubt you'll prove an abler man of business than I. EDWARD. One by one. MR. VOYSEY. Which one will you begin with? EDWARD. I shall begin, Father, by halving the salary I draw from the firm. MR. VOYSEY. I see . . Retrenchment and Reform. EDWARD. And I think you cannot give Ethel this five thousand pounds dowry. MR. VOYSEY. [_shortly, with one of the quick twists of his eye._] I have given my word to Denis. EDWARD. The money isn't yours to give. MR. VOYSEY. [_in an indignant crescendo._] I should not dream of depriving Ethel of what, as my daughter, she has every right to expect. I am surprised at your suggesting such a thing. EDWARD. [_pale and firm._] I'm set on this, Father. MR. VOYSEY. Don't be such a fool, Edward. What would it look like . . suddenly to refuse without rhyme or reason? What would old Tregoning think? EDWARD. [_distressed._] You could give them a reason. MR. VOYSEY. Perhaps you'll invent one. EDWARD. If need be, Ethel should be told the truth. MR. VOYSEY. What! EDWARD. I know it would hurt her. MR. VOYSEY. And Denis told too, I suppose? EDWARD. Father, it is my duty to do whatever is necessary to prevent this. MR. VOYSEY. It'll be necessary to tell the nearest policeman. It is my duty to pay no more attention to these scruples of yours than a nurse pays to her child's tantrums. Understand, Edward, I don't want to force you to continue my partner. Come with me gladly or don't come at all. EDWARD. [_dully._] It is my duty to be of what use I can to you, sir. Father, I want to save you if I can.