TRENCHARD. I think one can trace the psychology of it deeper than that. It would add a fitness to the situation . . his handing on to you an inheritance he had received. You know every criminal has a touch of the artist in him. HUGH. [_suddenly roused._] That's true. TRENCHARD. What position did you take up on the matter when he told you? EDWARD. [_shrugging._] You know what the Pater was as well as I. TRENCHARD. Well . . what did you attempt to do? EDWARD. I urged him to start by making some of the smaller accounts right. He said . . he said that would be penny wise and pound foolish. So I did what I could myself. TRENCHARD. With your own money? EDWARD. The little I had. TRENCHARD. Can you prove that you did that? EDWARD. I suppose I could. TRENCHARD. It's a good point. BOOTH. [_not to be quite left out._] Yes, I must say-- TRENCHARD. You ought to have written him a letter, and left the firm the moment you found out. Even then, legally . . ! But as he was your father. What was his object in telling you? What did he expect you to do? EDWARD. I've thought of every reason . . and now I really believe it was that he might have someone to boast to of his financial exploits. TRENCHARD. [_appreciatively._] I daresay. BOOTH. Scarcely matters to boast of! TRENCHARD. Oh, you try playing the fool with other people's money, and keeping your neck out of the noose for twelve years. It's not so easy. EDWARD. Then, of course, he always protested that things would come right . . that he'd clear the firm and have a fortune to the good. Or that if he were not spared I might do it. But he must have known that was impossible. TRENCHARD. But there's the gambler all over. EDWARD. Why, he actually took the trouble to draw up this will! TRENCHARD. That was childish. EDWARD. I'm the sole executor. TRENCHARD. So I should think . . Was I down for anything? EDWARD. No. TRENCHARD. [_without resentment._] How he did hate me! EDWARD. You're safe from the results of his affection anyway. TRENCHARD. What on earth made you stay in the firm once you knew? EDWARD _does not answer for a moment_. EDWARD. I thought I might prevent things from getting any worse. I think I did . . well, I should have done that if he'd lived. TRENCHARD. You knew the risk you were running? EDWARD. [_bowing his head._] Yes. TRENCHARD, _the only one of the three who comprehends, looks at his brother for a moment with something that might almost be admiration. Then he stirs himself._ TRENCHARD. I must be off. Business waiting . . end of term, you know. BOOTH. Shall I walk to the station with you? TRENCHARD. I'll spend a few minutes with Mother. [_he says, at the door, very respectfully._] You'll count on my professional assistance, please, Edward. EDWARD. [_simply._] Thank you, Trenchard. _So_ TRENCHARD _goes. And the Major, who has been endeavouring to fathom his final attitude, then comments_--