farrant. Well, what does that care as long as scandal's its own copyright? Do you know, my dear father refused a peerage because he felt it meant putting blinkers on his best newspaper.
blackborough. [A little subtly.] Still . . now you and Horsham are cousins, aren't you?
farrant. [Off the track and explanatory.] No, no . . my wife's mother . . .
blackborough. I'm inaccurate, for I'm not one of the family circle myself. My money gets me here and any skill I've used in making it. It wouldn't keep me at a pinch. And Trebell . . [He speaks through his teeth.] . . do you think your accession to power in the party is popular at the best? Who is going to put out a finger to make it less awkward for Horsham to stick to you if there's a chance of your going under?
trebell smiles at some mental picture he is making.
trebell. Can your cousins and aunts make it so awkward for you, Horsham?
horsham. [Repaying humour with humour.] I bear up against their affectionate attentions.
trebell. But I quite understand how uncongenial I may be. What made you take up with me at all?
farrant. Your brains, Trebell.