Jabez. Ah, come in, doctor. I'm glad you were able to come so quickly. (_They shake hands._)
Clavering. I'd just got in when your message came, so I was able to come at once. How are you, Mr. Thompson?
Jabez. Eh? (_Surprised at the professional tone._)
Oh, I'm all right. There's never anything the matter with me.
Clav. Oh, it's not yourself, then. I understood you wished to see me personally. Is there another accident case?
Jabez. Oh, no, there's nothing wrong. Er--have you a few moments to spare? I'd like a word with you.
Clav. I'm at your service unless I'm telephoned for from the surgery.
Jabez (_sitting l. of fire_). I understand you've been writing a book, Dr. Clavering?
Clav. Oh, that's it, is it? You've heard from my collaborator?
Jabez. Oh, yes, of course. Just so. Now, speaking as a business man, doctor, I suppose you'd some object in writing that book?
Clav. (_grimly_). I want better conditions for chemical workers.
Jabez. I said "speaking as a business man."
Jabez. I've not read the book yet. But I suppose I shan't be wrong in assuming it deals largely with the advantages of the Clavering patent respirator.
Jabez. I thought so. Of course, you're convinced of its advantages?
Clav. I use it myself. So does Mr. Bunting in his laboratory. Look at us. We're well. Then look at your men. They don't use it. I'd just come from seeing another of them when I got your message.
That man is being slowly poisoned to earn his bread. It's a typical case.
Jabez. It's' very sad, very sad. Well now, doctor, can you propose anything?
Clav. I can propose the respirator. It's not ideal, I don't pretend it is--but it _'_ull give the poor devils a chance.
Jabez. We must certainly have the respirator.
Clav. (_surprised,_). You refused it when it was offered you.
Jabez. My dear sir, I get safety devices sent me every day. I can't use 'em all. You never told me you used your thing yourself. It makes a world of difference. And you hadn't written a book about it.
Jabez. I thought you would. Come, we're getting on famously. Now if I adopt the respirator, do you think the book need be published?
Jabez. Oh, come, doctor, don't be stupid.
Clav. (_pause_). I'll tell you what I _will_ do, if you like. I'll wire the publisher to postpone its issue and have a note put in stating that it's been adopted here. But I'll not cancel my book.