The others follow.]

 

ROBERTS. [With his hand on the door—maliciously.] Good day, gentlemen! [He goes out.]

 

HARNESS. [Ironically.] I congratulate you on the conciliatory spirit that's been displayed. With your permission, gentlemen, I'll be with you again at half-past five. Good morning!

 

[He bows slightly, rests his eyes on ANTHONY, who returns his stare unmoved, and, followed by UNDERWOOD, goes out. There is a moment of uneasy silence. UNDERWOOD reappears in the doorway.]

 

WILDER. [With emphatic disgust.] Well!

 

[The double-doors are opened.]

 

ENID. [Standing in the doorway.] Lunch is ready.

 

[EDGAR, getting up abruptly, walks out past his sister.]

 

WILDER. Coming to lunch, Scantlebury?

 

SCANTLEBURY. [Rising heavily.] I suppose so, I suppose so. It's the only thing we can do.

 

[They go out through the double-doors.]

 

WANKLIN. [In a low voice.] Do you really mean to fight to a finish, Chairman?

 

[ANTHONY nods.]

 

WANKLIN. Take care! The essence of things is to know when to stop.

 

[ANTHONY does not answer.]

 

WANKLIN. [Very gravely.] This way disaster lies. The ancient Trojans were fools to your father, Mrs. Underwood. [He goes out through the double-doors.]

 

ENID. I want to speak to father, Frank.

 

[UNDERWOOD follows WANKLIN Out. TENCH, passing round the table, is restoring order to the scattered pens and papers.]

 

ENID. Aren't you coming, Dad?

 

[ANTHONY Shakes his head. ENID looks meaningly at TENCH.]

 

ENID. Won't you go and have some lunch, Mr. Tench?

 

TENCH. [With papers in his hand.] Thank you, ma'am, thank you! [He goes slowly, looking back.]

 

ENID. [Shutting the doors.] I do hope it's settled, Father!

 

ANTHONY. No!

 

ENID. [Very disappointed.] Oh! Haven't you done anything!

 

[ANTHONY shakes his head.]

 

ENID. Frank says they all want to come to a compromise, really, except that man Roberts.

 

ANTHONY. I don't.

 

ENID.