:17:00
exempts you from the rules
of civilized conduct.
:17:04
Or possibly both.
:17:06
Possibly, but here's
what I wanted to show you.
:17:09
It's for
the Wallace Flow-Rite pen.
:17:11
I know my company would be glad to pay
you $5,000 if you'll endorse the ad.
:17:15
I don't use a pen.
:17:17
I write with a goose quill
dipped in venom.
:17:20
Yes, but this is a very fine pen,
Mr. Lydecker...
:17:23
the best on the market.
:17:25
Wouldn't you at least
consider endorsing it?
:17:27
I'll neither consider, endorse
or use the Wallace pen.
:17:32
I hate pens.
:17:34
If your employers wish me to publish
that statement in my column...
:17:37
you may tell them that I shall be
delighted to oblige.
:17:40
Oh, no.
You mustn't do that.
:17:44
Don't blame Bullitt and Company,
Mr. Lydecker.
:17:47
They don't know anything about this.
It was my idea to see you.
:17:51
Indeed?
:17:53
Yes. I know they'd give anything down
at the office to get your endorsement...
:17:58
only they think
there's no use asking.
:18:00
So I had this ad made up
all on my own...
:18:03
because I thought, well,
what's the harm in trying?
:18:07
There was always a chance
that you might, Mr. Lydecker.
:18:09
Just think what
it would mean-
:18:11
You seem to be completely disregarding
something more important than your career.
:18:15
- What?
- My lunch.
:18:21
Do you really believe that?
:18:23
Implicitly.
:18:25
I never heard
of anything so selfish.
:18:28
In my case, self-absorption
is completely justified.
:18:33
I have never discovered any other
subject quite so worthy of my attention.
:18:36
But you write about people...
:18:39
with such real understanding
and sentiment.
:18:44
That's what makes
your column so good.
:18:46
Sentiment comes easily
at 50 cents a word.
:18:51
Well, if that's the way
you really feel...
:18:54
you must be very lonely.
:18:57
Will you kindly continue
this character analysis elsewhere?