"I shall do nothing of the kind," said Sir Thomas at last.
"You'll be wrong, Sir Thomas," said Mr. Trigger.
"You'll disfranchise the borough," said Mr. Spicer.
"You'll not be able to keep your seat," said Mr. Trigger.
"And there'll be all the money to pay," said Mr. Spicer.
"Sir Thomas don't mind that," said Mr. Griffenbottom.
"As for paying the money, I do mind it very much," said Sir Thomas. "As for disfranchising the borough, I cannot say that I regard it in the least. As to your seat, Mr. Griffenbottom—"
"My seat is quite safe," said the senior member.
"As to your seat, which I am well aware must be jeopardised if mine be in jeopardy, it would have been matter of more regret to me, had I experienced from you any similar sympathy for myself. As it is, it seems that each of us is to do the best he can for himself, and I shall do the best I can for myself. Good morning."
"What then do you mean to do?" said Mr. Trigger.