BOOTH. [_crushingly._] You will let me speak, please. In so far as our poor father was dishonest to his clients, I pray that he may be forgiven. In so far as he spent his life honestly endeavouring to right a wrong which he had found already committed . . I forgive him. I admire him, Edward. And I feel it my duty to--er--reprobate most strongly the--er--gusto with which you have been holding him up in memory to us . . ten minutes after we have stood round his grave . . as a monster of wickedness. I think I may say I knew him as well as you . . better. And . . thank God! . . there was not between him and me this--this unhappy business to warp my judgment of him. [_he warms to his subject._] Did you ever know a more charitable man . . a larger-hearted? He was a faithful husband . . and what a father to all of us, putting us out into the world and fully intending to leave us comfortably settled there. Further . . as I see this matter, Edward . . when as a young man he was told this terrible secret and entrusted with such a frightful task . . did he turn his back on it like a coward? No. He went through it heroically to the end of his life. And as he died I imagine there was no more torturing thought than that he had left his work unfinished. [_he is very satisfied with this peroration._] And now if all these clients can be kept receiving their natural income and if Father's plan could be carried out of gradually replacing the capital-- EDWARD _at this raises his head and stares with horror_. EDWARD. You're appealing to me to carry on this . . Oh, you don't know what you're talking about! _The Major, having talked himself back to a proper eminence remains good-tempered._ BOOTH. Well, I'm not a conceited man . . but I do think that I can understand a simple financial problem when it has been explained to me. EDWARD. You don't know the nerve . . the unscrupulous daring it requires to-- BOOTH. Of course, if you're going to argue round your own incompetence-- EDWARD. [_very straight._] D'you want your legacy? BOOTH. [_with dignity._] In one moment I shall get very angry. Here am I doing my best to help you and your clients . . and there you sit imputing to me the most sordid motives. Do you suppose I should touch or allow to be touched the money which father has left us till every client's claim was satisfied? EDWARD. My dear Booth, I'm sure you mean well-- BOOTH. I'll come down to your office and work with you. _At this cheerful prospect even poor_ EDWARD _can't help smiling_. EDWARD. Why, you'd be found out at once. BOOTH. [_feeling that it is a chance lost._] Well, of course the Pater never consulted me. I only know what I feel ought to be possible. I can but make the suggestion. _At this point_ TRENCHARD _looks round the door to say_ . . TRENCHARD. Are you coming, Booth?