_
BLACKBOROUGH. [_Stealthily._] Is it, Horsham?
HORSHAM. [_Sotto voce._] Why did you ever make it?
BLACKBOROUGH _leaves him for_ CANTELUPE.
BLACKBOROUGH. You're afraid for the integrity of the bill.
CANTELUPE. It must be comprehensive ... that's vital. BLACKBOROUGH. [_Very
forcefully._] I give you my word to support its integrity, if you'll keep
with me in persuading Horsham that the inclusion of Trebell in his cabinet
will be a blow to the whole Conservative Cause. Horsham, I implore you not
to pursue this short-sighted policy. All parties have made up their minds to
Disestablishment ... surely nothing should be easier than to frame a bill
which will please all parties.
FARRANT. [_At last perceiving the drift of all this._] But good Lord,
Blackborough ... now Cantelupe has come round and will stand in ...
BLACKBOROUGH. That's no longer the point. And what's all this nonsense about
going to the country again next year?
HORSHAM. [_Mildly._] After consulting me Percival said at Bristol....
BLACKBOROUGH. [_Quite unchecked._] I know. But if we pursue a thoroughly
safe policy and the bye-elections go right ... there need be no vote of
censure carried for three or four years. The Radicals want a rest with the
country and they know it. And one has no right, what's more, to go wantonly
plunging the country into the expenses of these constant general elections.
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