(Loudly.) Decidedly not.
LOOE. Good! Then I claim him. I detest casuistry and I claim him. I have
only one other question. You knew him well--intimately--for many years.
On your conscience, Mr. Shawn, what interment in your opinion would he
himself have preferred?
JANET. (After a pause.) It wouldn't make much difference to him either
way, would it?
CARVE. (With an outburst.) The whole thing is preposterous.
LOOE. (Ignoring the outburst.) My course seems quite clear. I shall
advise Lady Leonard--
CARVE. Don't you think you're rather young to be in sole charge of this
country?
LOOE. (Smoothly.) My dear sir, I am nothing but a humble priest who
gives counsel when counsel is sought. And I may say that in this affair
of the interment of our great national painter, there are other
influences than mine. For instance, my sister, Honoria, who happens also
to be president of the Ladies' Water Colour Society--(gesture of alarm
from CARVE)--my sister has a great responsibility. She is the favourite
niece of--(Whispers in CARVE'S ear.
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