trebell. You're a part of our tendency to keep things alive by hook or by crook . . not a spark but must be carefully blown upon. The world's old and tired; it dreads extinction. I think I disapprove . . I think I've more faith.
wedgecroft. [Scolding him.] Nonsense . . you've the instinct to preserve your life as everyone else has . . and I'm here to show you how.
trebell. [Beyond the reach of his kindness.] I assure you that these two days while you've been fussing around O'Connell—bless your kind heart—I've been waiting events, indifferent enough to understand his indifference.
wedgecroft. Not indifferent.
trebell. Lifeless enough already, then. [Suddenly a thought strikes him.] D'you think it was Horsham and his little committee persuaded O'Connell?
wedgecroft. On the contrary.
trebell. So you need not have let them into the secret?
wedgecroft. No.
trebell. Think of that.