BARNABAS [_alarmed_] Upset my estimate! Gracious Heavens! Does the fool
realize what that means? Do you realize what that means?
BURGE-LUBIN. I suppose it means that we shall have to amend the Act.
BARNABAS. Amend my Act! Monstrous!
BURGE-LUBIN. But we must. We cant ask people to go on working until they
are forty-three unless our figures are unchallengeable. You know what
a row there was over those last three years, and how nearly the
too-old-at-forty people won.
BARNABAS. They would have made the British Islands bankrupt if theyd
won. But you dont care for that; you care for nothing but being popular.
BURGE-LUBIN. Oh, well: I shouldn't worry if I were you; for most people
complain that there is not enough work for them, and would be only too
glad to stick on instead of retiring at forty-three, if only they were
asked as a favor instead of having to.
BARNABAS. Thank you: I need no consolation. [_He rises determinedly and
puts on his fillet_].
BURGE-LUBIN. Are you off? Where are you going to?
BARNABAS. To that cinema tomfoolery, of course.
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