trebell. [Unimpressed.] Excellent habit! What we really want in this country is a coalition of all the shibboleths with the rest of us in opposition . . for five years only.
wedgecroft. [Smiling generously.] Well, it's a sensation to see you become arbiter. The Tories are owning they can't do without you. Percival likes you personally . . Townsend don't matter . . Cantelupe you buy with a price, I suppose . . Farrant you can put in your pocket. I tell you I think the man you may run up against is Blackborough.
trebell. No, all he wants is to be let look big . . and to have an idea given him when he's going to make a speech, which isn't often.
wedgecroft. Otherwise . . I suppose . . now I may go down to history as having been in your confidence. I'm very glad you've arrived.
trebell. [With great seriousness.] I've sharpened myself as a weapon to this purpose.
wedgecroft. [Kindly.] And you're sure of yourself, aren't you?
trebell. [Turning his wrist.] Try.
wedgecroft. [Slipping his doctor's fingers over the the pulse.] Seventy, I should say.
trebell. I promise you it hasn't varied a beat these three big months.
wedgecroft. Well, I wish it had. Perfect balance is most easily lost. How do you know you've the power of recovery? . . and it's that gets one up in the morning day by day.