Jabez. Oh, about that accident last night, Lomax. (_Looks up from the book and turns round on his chair to face Lomax._)
Lomax. Yes, sir. I was coming to you about it when you were disengaged. Mrs. Wilcock is waiting in the office.
Jabez. Oh, I can't be bothered with her. That's the insurance people's job. Send her away. (_Lomax bows and is going l., he turns as Jabez rises, crosses to fire and speaks again._) Have you--do you happen to have heard what the men make of the accident?
Jabez. Speak up, man. Are they grumbling?
Lomax (_coughing_). I understand that there have been a few remarks passed.
Jabez. Strong ones, eh? Um---- Got your notebook?
Lomax. No, sir. I'll---- (_Turning towards door l._)
Jabez. Never mind. Sit down here. (_Lomax sits in Jabez's chair._) Write. (_Lomax bends to write._) Wait a moment. (_Lomax looks up._) When's the inquest fixed for?
Jabez. That's the 17th. Funeral the next day, I suppose?
Jabez. Very well. (_Motioning him to write. Lomax bends over and writes. Jabez crosses to desk and stands over Lomax, dictating._)
"In view of the distressing accident which occurred last night, it has been decided to grant a halfholiday to the entire staff with full pay on the afternoon of the 18th inst., in order----"
Jabez. "In order to give all an opportunity of attending the funeral ceremony." Finished?
Jabez (_crossing hack to fire_). Do you chance to know, Lomax, if there happens to be a football match that afternoon?
Lomax (_coughing deprecatorily_). I don't follow the sport myself, but I fancy it's the usual mid-week day.
Jabez. Ah. Have twenty copies of that notice typed and bring them here. I'll sign them myself. Then send them out to the departments, and--er--you might see that one comes in the way of the reporters at the inquest.
Jabez (_sitting_). Oh, and,'Lomax! (_Lomax turns at door._) Just mention casually to one or two of the foremen that attendance at the funeral is not compulsory. No names will be taken. And let me know if you happen to learn how the announcement is received.
(_Exit Lomax, l. Jabez continues interested in his book. A whistle at the tube. Jabez replies and puts it to his ear, then speaks down it._)
Jabez. Show Dr. Clavering in here. (_Replaces tube. Presently Dowden opens the door l. and Dr. Clavering enters. Dowden closes the door after him and goes without speaking. Jabez rises and meets Clavering genially._)