frances. Henry, I didn't mean that.
trebell. You think I've a mind to put an end to that same?
frances. [Belittling her fright.] No . . for how unreasonable. . .
trebell. In view of my promising past. I've stood for success, Fanny; I still stand for success. I could still do more outside the Cabinet than the rest of them, inside, will do. But suddenly I've a feeling the work would be barren. [His eyes shift beyond her; beyond the room.] What is it in your thoughts and actions which makes them bear fruit? Something that the roughest peasant may have in common with the best of us intellectual men . . something that a dog might have. It isn't successful cleverness.
She stands . . his trouble beyond her reach.
frances. Come now . . you've done very well with your life.
trebell. Do you know how empty I feel of all virtue at this moment?
He leaves her. She must bring him back to the plane on which she can help him.
frances. We must think what's best to be done . . now . . and for the future.
trebell. Why, I could go on earning useless money at the Bar . . think how nice that would be. I could blackmail the next judgeship out of Horsham. I think I could even smash his Disestablishment Bill . . and perhaps get into the next Liberal Cabinet and start my own all over again, with necessary modifications. I shan't do any such things.