JOHN. You have a friendly face, Mr. Trippett.
TRIPPETT. We want to see you riding in our 'buses again.
TRIPPETT. And if this matter could be settled at once, I'm sure you would be most satisfied.
TRIPPETT. Now speaking without prejudice, what sum of money do you fancy would compensate you?
JOHN (_to MAMIE_). What do you think, dear?
(_TULLY signalling five hundred on fingers._)
You see, there'll be all the doctor's expenses, a terrible loss of time and money--probably funeral expenses----
JOHN (_to TRIPPETT_). Suppose we say five hundred--without prejudice, as you say.
TRIPPETT (_raises his eyebrows_). I'm afraid that's quite out of the question. Do you realize what five hundred means? I'm afraid we couldn't entertain anything like that. But I'll tell you what I _will_ do. If you like to settle the matter off-hand now and give me your signature. I'll pay down at once, the sum of--(_taking note from pocket and presenting it to JOHN_)--five pounds.
TRIPPETT. A five-pound Bank of England note, Mr. Ayers; you could go away for a nice little holiday on a five-pun' note.
JOHN (_rises, anger rising_). Really I think you've come here to insult me.
TRIPPETT. Certainly not, Mr. Ayers--and without prejudice I think you would be well advised to accept my offer.
JOHN (_up to TRIPPETT_). And without prejudice I think you're a silly ass! (_TRIPPETT rises._)
MAMIE (_comforting JOHN_). Don't upset yourself, John.
JOHN. Why doesn't he offer me a bag of nuts or a balloon!!
TRIPPETT (_getting gloves from table R.C._). I'm sorry you look at things in that light, Mr. Ayers. (_TULLY during this speech gets TRIPPETT'S hat and holds it perched high up on his right hand, with his other hand he holds the door L. open._) All I can do is to hand in my report. (_Going left._) The company's doctor will come and examine you, and the matter will be out of my hands. (_Knocks into TULLY, sees hat, takes it, bows to TULLY, goes to door L., turns._) I wish you good-day, sir, (_to JOHN_) and I hope you'll soon get better.
JOHN. I don't think I shall--£5 for a broken back!
TULLY (_rushing on from door L._). It's all right, John--Mrs. Ayers has come back.
JOHN (_MAMIE tries to get under table R.C. JOHN pulls her back_). No, that way! Hide her, Tully. (_TULLY wandering aimlessly about. JOHN pushes him up to window R.C. MAMIE gathers up hat, etc., and goes window R.C. TULLY gets MAMIE'S parasol from settee and JOHN pushes him out of window._) Quick behind those curtains and take those things away. (_Throwing MAMIE'S gloves after TULLY._)