Miss L. We have seen the "shrinking."
Stonor. Without quoting any one else, I might point out that the New Antagonism seems to have blinded you to the small fact that I, for one, am not an opponent.
Miss L. The phrase has a familiar ring. We have heard it from four hundred and twenty others.
Stonor. I spoke, if I may say so, of some one who would count. Some one who can carry his party along with him—or risk a seat in the Cabinet.
Miss L. (quickly). Did you mean you are ready to do that?
Stonor. An hour ago I was.
Miss L. Ah!... an hour ago.
Stonor. Exactly. You don't understand men. They can be led. They can't be driven. Ten minutes before you came into the room I was ready to say I would throw in my political lot with this Reform.
Miss L. And now...?