o'connell. I am all attention, Lord Horsham.
cantelupe with a self-denying effort has risen to his feet.
cantelupe. Mr. O'Connell, I remain here almost against my will. I cannot think quite calmly about this double and doubly heinous sin. Don't listen to us while we make light of it. If we think of it as a political bother and ask you to smooth it away . . I am ashamed. But I believe I may not be wrong if I put it to you that, looking to the future and for the sake of your own Christian dignity, it may become you to be merciful. And I pray too . . I think we may believe . . that Mr. Trebell is feeling need of your forgiveness. I have no more to say. [He sits down again.]
o'connell. It may be. I have never met Mr. Trebell.
horsham. I tell you, Mr. O'Connell, putting aside Party, that your country has need of this man just at this time.
They hang upon o'connell's reply. It comes with deliberation.
o'connell. I suppose my point of view must be an unusual one. I notice, at least, that twenty four hours and more has not enabled Farrant to grasp it.
farrant. For God's sake, O'Connell, don't be so cold-blooded. You have the life or death of a man's reputation to decide on.
o'connell. [With a cold flash of contempt.] That's a petty enough thing now-a-days it seems to me. There are so many clever men . . and they are all so alike . . surely one will not be missed.