. I didn't regard it as a job for a respectable solicitor----

PHILIP.

[_Politely._] _Didn't_ you!

BERTRAM.

Not that there's anything against Dunning----

PHILIP.

[_Uncrossing his legs and sitting upright._] Well, that brings us to
the point, doesn't it?

BERTRAM.

The point?

PHILIP.

The precise, and illuminating, details of the fable your friend at the
bottom of Chancery Lane is fooling you with.

BERTRAM.

[_In a pitying tone._] Oh, my dear Mackworth! I repeat, it's no _use_
your adopting this attitude. You don't realize how completely you're
bowled over, I mean t'say. Dunning's got incontestable proofs----

PHILIP.

[_Jumping up, unable to repress himself any longer._] Damn the impudent
scoundrel----!

[_The bell rings._

BERTRAM.

[_Listening._] Your bell!

PHILIP.

[_Striding to the left and then to the fireplace._] You said he's still
at his office, didn't you?

BERTRAM.

[_Rising._] Yes.

PHILIP.

[_Pointing to the telephone, imperatively._] Get him here at once.

BERTRAM.

[_Rather taken aback._] At once?

PHILIP.

I'll deal with this gentleman promptly.

BERTRAM.

[_Icily._] Not before Ottoline and my parents, I hope?

PHILIP.

[_Seizing the poker and attacking the fire furiously._] Before Ottoline
and your parents.

BERTRAM.

A most painful scene for them, I mean t'say----

PHILIP.

A painful scene for you and Mr. Dunning.

BERTRAM.

_After_ dinner--when they've gone--you and I'll go down to
Dunning----

PHILIP.

[_Flinging the poker into the grate and facing_ BERTRAM.] Confound you,
you don't suppose I'm going to act on your suggestion, and grin through
a long meal with this between us! [_Pointing to the telephone again._]
Ring him up, you treacherous little whelp--quick! [_Advancing._] If
_you_ won't----!

BERTRAM.

[_Bristling._] Oh, very goo