[_Positively._] Yes.
HORSHAM. Can you? Nevertheless I wish you had postponed your decision even
till to-morrow.
_Having made his point he looks round almost for approval._
BLACKBOROUGH. What had Percival to say on the subject, Farrant?
FARRANT. I was only to make use of his opinion under certain circumstances.
BLACKBOROUGH. So it isn't favourable to your remaining with us, Mr. Trebell.
FARRANT. [_Indignantly emerging from the trap._] I never said that.
_Now_ TREBELL _gives the matter another turn, very forcefully._
TREBELL. Horsham ... I don't bow politely and stand aside at this juncture
as a gentleman should, because I want to know how the work's to be done if I
leave you what I was to do.
BLACKBOROUGH. Are we so incompetent?
TREBELL. I daresay not. I want to know ... that's all.
CANTELUPE. Please understand, Mr. Trebell, that I have in no way altered my
good opinion of your proposals.
BLACKBOROUGH. Well, I beg to remind you, Horsham, that from the first I've
reserved myself liberty to criticise fundamental points in the scheme.
HORSHAM. [_Pacifically._] Quite so ... quite so.
BLACKBOROUGH. That nonsensical new standard of teachers' salaries for one
thing ... you'd never pass it.
HORSHAM. Quite easily. It's an administrative point, so leave the
legislation vague. Then, as the appropriation money falls in, the
qualifications rise and the salaries rise.
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