Walter Kent. I don't see that Horsham's much better off now. He only turned the Radicals out on the Spoliation question by the help of Trebell. And so far ... I mean, till this election is over Trebell counts still as one of them, doesn't he, Miss Trebell? Oh ... perhaps he doesn't.
Frances Trebell. He'll tell you he never has counted as one of them.
Mrs. Farrant. No doubt Lord Charles would sooner have done without his help. And that's why I didn't ask the gentle Jesuit this week-end if anyone wants to know.
Walter Kent. [Stupent at this lack of party spirit.] What ... he'd rather have had the Liberals go to the country undefeated!
Mrs. Farrant. [With finesse.] The election may bring us back independent of Mr. Trebell and anything he stands for.
Walter Kent. [Sharply.] But you asked Lord Horsham to meet him.
Mrs. Farrant. [With still more finesse.] I had my reasons. Votes aren't everything.
Lady Davenport has been listening with rather a doubtful smile; she now caps the discussion.
Lady Davenport. I'm relieved to hear you say so, my dear Julia. On the other hand democracy seems to have brought itself to a pretty pass. Here's a measure, which the country as a whole neither demands nor approves of, will certainly be carried, you tell me, because a minority on each side is determined it shall be ... for totally different reasons.
Mrs. Farrant. [Shrugging again.] It isn't our business to prevent popular government looking foolish, Mamma.