Here, give this to the messenger-sharp, and tell him to run with it.
TOPPING. [Whose hand can feel the condition of the contents, with a
certain surprise] Yes, sir.
He goes, with a look back from the door.
The Mayor is here, sir. I don't know whether you would wish
BUILDER, rising, takes a turn up and down the room.
BUILDER. Nor do I. Yes! I'll see him.
TOPPING goes out, and BUILDER stands over by the fender, with his
head a little down.
TOPPING. [Re-entering] The Mayor, sir.
He retires up Left. The MAYOR is overcoated, and carries, of all
things, a top hat. He reaches the centre of the room before he
speaks.
MAYOR. [Embarrassed] Well, Builder?
BUILDER. Well?
MAYOR. Come! That caution of mine was quite parliamentary. I 'ad to
save face, you know.
BUILDER. And what about my face?
MAYOR. Well, you--you made it difficult for me. 'Ang it all! Put
yourself into my place!
BUILDER. [Grimly] I'd rather put you into mine, as it was last night.
MAYOR. Yes, yes! I know; but the Bench has got a name to keep up--must
stand well in the people's eyes. As it is, I sailed very near the wind.
Suppose we had an ordinary person up before us for striking a woman?
BUILDER.
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