Willie.  You’re out for the millennium, I can see—­with Mr. Job Arthur Freer striking the balance.  We all see you, Job Arthur, one foot on either side of the fence, balancing the see-saw, with masters at one end and men at the other.  You’ll have to give one side a lot of pudding.—­But go back a bit, to where we were before the motor car took your breath away.  When you said, Job Arthur, that you think of others besides yourself, didn’t you mean, as a matter of fact, the office men?  Didn’t you mean that the colliers, led—­we won’t mention noses—­by you, were going to come out in sympathy with the office clerks, supposing they didn’t get the rise in wages which they’ve asked for—­the office clerks?  Wasn’t that it?

Job Arthur.  There’s been some talk among the men of standing by the office.  I don’t know what they’ll do.  But they’ll do it of their own decision, whatever it is.

Willie.  There’s not a shadow of doubt about it, Job Arthur.  But it’s a funny thing the decisions all have the same foxy smell about them, Job Arthur.

Oliver Turton (calling from the car).  What was the speech about, in the first place?

Willie.  I beg pardon?

Oliver.  What was the address about, to begin with?

Willie.  Oh, the same old hat—­Freedom.  But partly it’s given to annoy the Unco Guid, as they pass to their Sabbath banquet of self-complacency.

Oliver.  What about Freedom?

Willie.  Very much as usual, I believe.  But you should have been here ten minutes sooner, before we began to read the lessons. (Laughs.)

Anabel W. (moving forward, and holding out her hand).  You’d merely have been told what Freedom isn’t; and you know that already.  How are you, Oliver?

Oliver.  Good God, Anabel!—­are you part of the meeting?  How long have you been back in England?

Anabel.  Some months, now.  My family have moved here, you know.

Oliver.  Your family!  Where have they moved from?—­from the moon?

Anabel.  No, only from Derby.—­How are you, Gerald?

(GERALD twists in his seat to give her his hand.)

Gerald.  I saw you before.

Anabel.  Yes, I know you did.

(Job Arthur has disappeared.  The men disperse sheepishly into groups,
     to stand and sit on their heels by the walls and the causeway
     edge.  Willie Houghton begins to talk to individuals.)

Oliver.  Won’t you get in and drive on with us a little way?

Anabel.  No, I was going to church.

Oliver.  Going to church!  Is that a new habit?

Anabel.  Not a habit.  But I’ve been twice since I saw you last.