Stonor. Now you block my way by an attempt at coercion. By forcing my hand you give my adherence an air of bargain-driving for a personal end. Exactly the mistake of the ignorant agitators of your "Union," as you call it. You have a great deal to learn. This movement will go forward, not because of the agitation, but in spite of it. There are men in Parliament who would have been actively serving the Reform to-day ... as actively as so vast a constitutional change——
Miss L. (smiles faintly). And they haven't done it because——
Stonor. Because it would have put a premium on breaches of decent behaviour. (He takes a crumpled piece of paper out of his pocket.) Look here!
Miss L. (flushes with excitement as she reads the telegram). This is very good. I see only one objection.
Stonor. Objection!
Miss L. You haven't sent it.
Stonor. That is your fault.
Miss L. When did you write this?
Stonor. Just before you came in—when——(He glances at the door.)
Miss L. Ah! It must have pleased Jean—that message. (Offers him back the paper.)