Horsham. I hope not.
Blackborough. And carry with you the credit of our one big measure. Consider the effect upon our reputation with the Country.
Farrant. [Waking to Blackborough's line of action.] Why on earth should you leave us, Trebell? You've hardly been a Liberal, even in name.
Blackborough. [Vigorously making his point.] Then what would be the conditions of your remaining? You're not a party man, Trebell. You haven't the true party feeling. You are to be bought. Of course you take your price in measures, not in money. But you are preeminently a man of ideas ... an expert. And a man of ideas is often a grave embarrassment to a government.
Horsham. And vice-versa ... vice-versa!
Trebell. [Facing Blackborough across the room.] Do I understand that you for the good of the Tory party ... just as Cantelupe for the good of his soul ... will refuse to sit in a cabinet with me.
Blackborough. [Unembarrassed.] I don't commit myself to saying that.
Cantelupe. No, Trebell ... it's that I must believe your work could not prosper ... in God's way.
Trebell softens to his sincerity.
Trebell. Cantelupe, I quite understand. You may be right ... it's a very interesting question. Blackborough, I take it that you object first of all to the scheme that I'm bringing you.