Here's the paper. (He gives his uncle the paper, and goes out into
the hall.)
***
(JAMES opens his eyes with a start and looks round him in a
bewildered way. He rubs his heart, takes out his match and looks at
it, and then stares round the room again. The door from the dining-room
opens, and PHILIP comes in with a piece of toast in his hand.)
PHILIP (his mouth full). You wanted to see me, Uncle James?
JAMES (still bewildered). That's all right, my boy, that's all
right. What have you been doing?
PHILIP (surprised). Breakfast. (Putting the last piece in his
mouth) Rather late, I'm afraid.
JAMES. That's all right. (He laughs awkwardly.)
PHILIP. Anything the matter? You don't look your usual bright self.
JAMES. I--er--seem to have dropped asleep in front of the fire.
Most unusual thing for me to have done. Most unusual.
PHILIP. Let that be a lesson to you not to get up so early. Of
course, if you're in the Army you can't help yourself. Thank Heaven
I'm out of it, and my own master again.
JAMES. Ah, that's what I wanted to talk to you about. Sit down,
Philip. (He indicates the chair by the fire.)
PHILIP (taking a chair by the table). You have that, uncle; I shall
be all right here.
JAMES (hastily). No, no; you come here. (He gives PHILIP the
armchair and sits by the table himself.
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