horsham. [Unkindly.] By your action this evening, Charles, you evidently think not. [He salves the wound.] No matter, I agree with you . . the bill should be a comprehensive one, whoever brings it in.
blackborough. [Not without enjoyment of the situation.] Whoever brings it in will have to knuckle under to Percival over its finance.
farrant. Trebell won't do that. I warned Percival.
horsham. Then what did he say?
farrant. He only swore.
horsham suddenly becomes peevish.
horsham. I think, Farrant, you should have given me this message before.
farrant. My dear Horsham, what had it to do with our request to O'Connell?
horsham. [Scolding the company generally.] Well then, I wish he hadn't sent it. I wish we were not discussing these points at all. The proper time for them is at a cabinet meeting. And when we have actually assumed the responsibilities of government . . then threats of resignation are not things to be played about with.
farrant. Did you expect Percival's objection to the finance of the scheme?