Les quatre plumes blanches (1939)
Robert Rendel: Colonel
Quotes
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Colonel : [Faversham has presented himself in the Colonel's office] Well, Faversham?
Harry Faversham : [handing him an envelope] I want you to accept this, sir.
Colonel : [glances at it but doesn't open it] What is it?
Harry Faversham : I am resigning my commission.
Colonel : [shocked] "Resigning your commission"? What do you mean?
Harry Faversham : I mean just that, sir.
Colonel : I don't understand you, Faversham.
Harry Faversham : I should have taken this action months ago. I only accepted a commission for my father's sake. Because all his family have been soldiers. But when he died, my duty towards him was done.
Colonel : [taken aback] Your duty towards *him*? Have you no duty towards your country?
Harry Faversham : [stands still looking at the Colonel, but says nothing]
Colonel : Oh, go lie down in a dark room, my boy! You'll be all right in the morning.
Harry Faversham : I've made up my mind, sir.
Colonel : Faversham, if you do this, you'll regret it for the rest of your life.
Harry Faversham : I'm sorry, sir. I've made up my mind.
Colonel : [angrily pounds his desk] You're deliberately shirking your duty! I refuse to accept your resignation!
Harry Faversham : I am within my rights to resign, sir. You *cannot* refuse.
Colonel : [sternly] I never thought I should live to see a Faversham play the coward.
Harry Faversham : [after a pregnant pause] May I go, sir?
Colonel : Yes... Go.
[Faversham gives a brisk salute, does an about face, leaves the room]