Jack (_jerking his head up_). What's that?
Austin. As you tactfully remarked, Metherell, accidents will happen.
Jack (_rising_). Don't you believe it was an accident?
Elsie. What else could it be? Do you think he broke his arm for fun?
Jack (_straight at Austin_). It was an accident.
Austin (_sneering_). But you broke your arm.
Austin. A singularly opportune coincidence.
Elsie. I think you're a sportsman, Jack, and----
Austin. I've known a sportsman do a bigger thing than break his arm for a woman.
Elsie (_suspiciously_). A woman! What woman?
Austin. You, my dear. And, as you said, Blackton are safe to win now.
(_Wells, entering with Jack's clothes and boots, overhears Austin._)
Wells. I'm not so sure of that, Mr. Whitworth. It's anybody's game. The score's one all.
Austin (_startled_). Birchester have scored!
Wells. Yes. Didn't you know? I'll look after Metherell. You're missing a good game.
Elsie. Then you'd better go and watch it, Dr. Wells.
Wells (_slightly surprised_). I will when I've helped Metherell to change.
Jack. I'm in no hurry. Don't put yourself about for me. Half time _'_ull do.
Wells. Well, it can't be far off that now. (_Putting Jack's clothes over chair._) I should like to see something of this match. Is the arm painful?
Wells (_by desk_). Pull yourself together with a dose of this. (_Lifting whisky bottle._)
Wells (_authoritatively_). And I'm a doctor, man.
Wells. Oh, all right. If you like to be stubborn. Are you coming, Mr. Whitworth? (_Crossing to door._)
Elsie. Yes. Do go, father. They'll be expecting to see you outside.
Austin (_grim_). Yes--I'm going--to show them I can smile. Come along, Doctor.
Jack (_exasperated_). It's a confidential matter, Elsie.
Elsie. That means there's something you're afraid to tell me.
Jack. I'm not afraid. He spoke to me in private, and it's giving him away.
Elsie. You can't give him away to me. I've lived at home too long for that.
Elsie. Are you going to talk about your conscience again? Father said you broke your arm for my sake and I want to know what it means.
Jack. But I didn't, Elsie. It was an accident.
Elsie. Why should he think you did it intentionally? Jack (_sullenly_). Ask him.
Elsie. He's just told me to ask you. Now stop being absurd, Jack, and tell me all about it.