cantelupe. [With a sigh.] If we had done what we have done to-night in the right spirit! Blackborough was almost vindictive.
horsham. [Smiling without amusement.] Didn't you keep thinking . . I did . . of that affair of his with Mrs. Parkington . . years ago?
cantelupe. There was never any proof of it.
horsham. No . . he bought off the husband.
cantelupe. [Uneasily.] His objections to Trebell were—political.
horsham. Yours weren't.
cantelupe. [More uneasily still.] I withdrew mine.
horsham. [With elderly reproof.] I don't think, Charles, you have the least conception of what a nicely balanced machine a cabinet is.
cantelupe. [Imploring comfort.] But should we have held together through Trebell's bill?
horsham. [A little impatient.] Perhaps not. But once I had them all round a table . . Trebell is very keen on office for all his independent airs . . he and Percival could have argued the thing out. However, it's too late now.