ED. When are you going?

SLOANE. But I like it here.

ED. I dare say you do. The fact is my sister’s taking on too many responsibilities. She’s a charming woman as a rule. Charming. I’ve no hesitation in saying that. Lost her husband. And her little kid. Tell you that did she?

SLOANE. She mentioned it.

ED (wary). What did she say?

SLOANE. Said she married young.

ED. She married a mate of mine – a valiant man – we were together in Africa.

SLOANE. In the army?

ED. You’re interested in the army, eh? Soldiers, garrison towns, etc. Does that interest you?

SLOANE. Yes.

ED. Good, excellent. How old are you?

SLOANE. Twenty.

ED. Married?

SLOANE. No.

ED (laughs). Wise man, eh? Wise man. (Pause.) Girl friends?

SLOANE. No.

ED. No. You’re a librarian?

SLOANE. No.

ED. I thought she said –

SLOANE. I help out at Len’s … the tobacconist. Give him a hand. I’m not employed there.

ED. I was told you were.

SLOANE. I help out. On Saturdays.

ED. I see. I’ve been mistaken. (Silence.) Well, as I just said … I don’t think it’d suit you. What with one thing and another. (Pause.) To show there’s no hard feelings I’ll make it worth your while. Call it a gift.

SLOANE. That’s decent of you.

ED. Not at all. (Pause). I’d like to give you a little present. Anything you care to name. Within reason.

SLOANE. What’s within reason?