Farrant. [Giving a further meaning to this.] Yes, Blackborough, he did.
Blackborough. To gain his own ends! Oh, my dear Horsham, can't you see that if O'Connell had blabbed to-morrow it really would have been a blessing in disguise? I don't pretend to Cantelupe's standard ... but there must be something radically wrong with a man who could get himself into such a mess as that ... now mustn't there? Ah! ... you have a fatal partiality for clever people. I tell you ... though this might be patched up ... Trebell would fail us in some other way before we were six months older.
This speech has its effect; but Horsham looks at him a little sternly.
Horsham. And am I to conclude that you don't want Charles to change his mind?
Blackborough. [On another tack.] Farrant has not yet allowed us to hear Percival's opinion.
Farrant looks rather alarmed.
Farrant. It has very little reference to the scandal.
Blackborough. As that is at an end ... all the more reason we should hear it.
Horsham. [Ranging himself with Farrant.] I called this quite informal meeting, Blackborough, only to dispose of the scandal, if possible.
Blackborough. Well, of course, if Farrant chooses to insult Percival so gratuitously by burking his message to us....