HORSHAM'S _smooth voice intervenes. He speaks with finesse._
HORSHAM. Percival, as an old campaigner, expresses himself very roughly. The
point is, that we are after all only the trustees of the party. If we know
that a certain step will decimate it ... clearly we have no right to take
the step.
CANTELUPE. [_Glowing to white heat._] Is this a time to count the
consequences to ourselves?
HORSHAM. [_Unkindly._] By your action this evening, Charles, you evidently
think not. [_He salves the wound._] No matter, I agree with you ... the
bill should be a comprehensive one, whoever brings it in.
BLACKBOROUGH. [_Not without enjoyment of the situation._] Whoever brings it
in will have to knuckle under to Percival over its finance.
FARRANT. Trebell won't do that. I warned Percival.
HORSHAM. Then what did he say?
FARRANT. He only swore.
HORSHAM _suddenly becomes peevish._
HORSHAM. I think, Farrant, you should have given me this message before.
FARRANT. My dear Horsham, what had it to do with our request to O'Connell?
HORSHAM. [_Scolding the company generally._] Well then, I wish he hadn't
sent it. I wish we were not discussing these points at all. The proper time
for them is at a cabinet meeting. And when we have actually assumed the
responsibilities of government ... then threats of resignation are not
things to be played about with.
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