y). But I think you ought to consult him at little, dear.
After all, he _has_ been fighting for us.

JAMES (with his back to the fire). Now that's the sort of silly
sentiment that there's been much too much of. I object to it strongly.
I don't want to boast, but I think I may claim to have done my share. I
gave up my nephew to my country, and I--er--suffered from the shortage
of potatoes to an extent that you probably didn't realize. Indeed, if it
hadn't been for your fortunate discovery about that time that you didn't
really like potatoes, I don't know how we should have carried on. And,
as I think I've told you before, the excess-profits tax seemed to me a
singularly stupid piece of legislation--but I paid it. And I don't go
boasting about how much I paid.

EMILY (unconvinced). Well, I think that Philip's four years out there
have made him more of a man; he doesn't seem somehow like a boy who can
be told what to do. I'm sure they've taught him something.

JAMES. I've no doubt that they've taught him something about--er--bombs
and--er--which end a revolver goes off, and how to form fours. But I
don't see that that sort of thing helps him to decide upon the most
suitable career for a young man in after-war conditions.

EMILY. Well, I can only say you'll find him different.

JAMES. I didn't notice any particular difference last night.

EMILY. I think you'll find him rather more--I can't quite think of the
word, but Mrs. Higgins could tell you what I mean.

JAMES. Of course, if he likes to earn his living any other way, he
may; but I don t see how he proposes to do it so long as I hold the
purse-strings. (Looking at his watch) Perhaps you'd better tell him that
I cannot wait any longer.

(EMILY opens the door leading into the dining-room and talks through it
to PHILIP.)

EMILY. Philip, your uncle is waiting to see you before he goes to the
office. Will you be long, dear?

PHILIP (from the dining-room). Is he in a hurry?

JAMES (shortly). Yes.

EMILY. He says he is rather, dear.

PHILIP. Couldn't he come and talk in here? It wouldn't interfere with my
breakfast.

JAMES. No.

EMILY. He says he'd rather you came to _him_, darling.

PHILIP (resigned). Oh, well.

EMILY (to JAMES). He'll be here directly, dear. Just sit down in front
of the fire and make yourself comfortable with the paper. He won't keep
you long. (She arranges him.)

JAMES (taking the paper). The morning is not the time to make oneself