Puddicombe.  Upon my word, Mr. SCROOP, I can’t—­I really can’t, knock off another quarter per cent.  It’s a tight fight already, and I can’t do it.

H. of D. (airily).  All right, PUDDICOMBE my boy,—­as you please.  Plenty who will, you know.

Puddicombe.  Really, Mr. SCROOP, I don’t see how they can—­

H. of D. (rudely).  That’s their business.  I only know they will, and jump at it.

Puddicombe (hesitatingly).  But—­er—­I thought, when I made that little arrangement with you, a year ago, about the trifling bonus to you, you know, I thought you as good as promised—­

H. of D. (severely).  Mr. PUDDICOMBE, you surprise me.  I am here, Sir, to do the best I can for the Firm—­and I shall do it. If somebody else’s prices are better than yours, somebody else gets the line, that’s all.  Good day, Mr. PUDDICOMBE. (Aside.) Confound his impudence!—­he shan’t have another order if I can help it!  Trifling bonus, indeed!  One thing, he daren’t split—­so I’m safe.

    [Exit PUDDICOMBE, despondently.  Enter, presently, a
    hopeful-looking person, with a sample-bag.

H. of D. (cheerily).  Ah, Mr. PINCHER, how do—­how do?  Haven’t seen you for an age.

Mr. Pincher.  Good day, Mr. SCROOP.  I heard you wanted to see me, and, as I’ve a very cheap line in your way, I thought, as I was passing, I’d venture to look in.

H. of D. Quite right, PINCHER.  What’s the figure, my boy?

Pincher (slily).  A shade lower than the lowest you’ve been giving.  Is that good enough?

H. of D. Well—­ahem!—­yes—­of course, if the quality is right.

Pincher.  O.K., I assure you, Sir!

H. of D. Well, we’re quoted as low as forty-five.  If you can beat that, I think I can place the order with you.

Pincher (aside).  Liar!  Even poor PUDDICOMBE wouldn’t go under fifty.  However, here goes! (Aloud.) Will five off meet your views?

H. of D. Say seven and a half, and I’m on.

Pincher.  Done with you, Sir. (Aside.) With what he’ll want for himself, there’s “nothing in it!”—­this time.

H. of D. Well—­subject, of course, to our Principal’s approval, I think I may say the line is yours, PINCHER. (Aside.) Don’t know how the doose he does it!  Well, that’s none o’ my business.  Won’t old SKINFLINT be pleased?  Must try and spring him for a holiday, on the strength of it.

Pincher.  Thanks—­many thanks. (Books it.) Hope we shall do more business together,—­to our mutual advantage.  By the way, Mr. SCROOP—­(in a low voice)—­if there is any little thing I can put in your way, you know, I, er—­er!—­