Strife eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 96 pages of information about Strife.

Strife eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 96 pages of information about Strife.

Anthony.  I am.

Enid.  It’ll break you down.

Anthony. [Slowly.] My dear, I am not going to funk; on that you may rely.

     [Re-enter Tench with papers; he glances at them, then plucking
     up courage.]

Tench.  Beg pardon, Madam, I think I’d rather see these papers were disposed of before I get my lunch.

     [Enid, after an impatient glance at him, looks at her father,
     turns suddenly, and goes into the drawing-room.]

Tench. [Holding the papers and a pen to Anthony, very nervously.] Would you sign these for me, please sir?

     [Anthony takes the pen and signs.]

Tench. [Standing with a sheet of blotting-paper behind EDGAR’S chair, begins speaking nervously.] I owe my position to you, sir.

Anthony.  Well?

Tench.  I’m obliged to see everything that’s going on, sir; I—­I depend upon the Company entirely.  If anything were to happen to it, it’d be disastrous for me. [Anthony nods.] And, of course, my wife’s just had another; and so it makes me doubly anxious just now.  And the rates are really terrible down our way.

Anthony. [With grim amusement.] Not more terrible than they are up mine.

Tench.  No, Sir? [Very nervously.] I know the Company means a great deal to you, sir.

Anthony.  It does; I founded it.

Tench.  Yes, Sir.  If the strike goes on it’ll be very serious.  I think the Directors are beginning to realise that, sir.

Anthony. [Ironically.] Indeed?

Tench.  I know you hold very strong views, sir, and it’s always your habit to look things in the face; but I don’t think the Directors—­ like it, sir, now they—­they see it.

Anthony. [Grimly.] Nor you, it seems.

Tench. [With the ghost of a smile.] No, sir; of course I’ve got my children, and my wife’s delicate; in my position I have to think of these things.

     [Anthony nods.]

It was n’t that I was going to say, sir, if you’ll excuse me——­ [hesitates]

Anthony.  Out with it, then!

Tench.  I know—­from my own father, sir, that when you get on in life you do feel things dreadfully——­

Anthony. [Almost paternally.] Come, out with it, Trench!

Tench.  I don’t like to say it, sir.

Anthony. [Stonily.] You Must.

Tench. [After a pause, desperately bolting it out.] I think the
Directors are going to throw you over, sir.

Anthony. [Sits in silence.] Ring the bell!

     [Tench nervously rings the bell and stands by the fire.]

Tench.  Excuse me for saying such a thing.  I was only thinking of you, sir.

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Project Gutenberg
Strife from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.