JOHN PORTER
I've been to see Mr. Briggs, Dad...about the offer.

HARRY PORTER
Oh, yes.

JOHN
I've told him I would be prepared to work for him...but only under you.

HARRY
What? You asked him for a job for me?

JOHN
Yes, in a way. I told him I'd be prepared to work for him, but only if he took you too.

HARRY
Good God! What did he say?

JOHN
He's sleeping on it.

HARRY
But that would be...

JOHN
What? Humiliating? No, it wouldn't be. It's common sense. Look, Dad, I'm trying to help. I can only help if I face facts, not look the other way.

HARRY
Help?!!

JOHN
Well, you need it, Dad. You've always given it to me when I needed it. I'm just returning it. Now, that's fair, isn't it?

HARRY
It's not a debt!

JOHN
No, I know that. Well?

HARRY
No, no, I couldn't possibly... Oh, I know you meant it for the best, but I couldn't possibly accept that sort of charity.

JOHN
Dad, face it. You're broke. And it's not charity.

HARRY
I may be broke, as you call it, but I'm not completely finished. Well, am I?

JOHN
I told him you were the better man. I meant it, Dad.

 

(from "This Year, Next Year" by Robert Furnival)