Cantelupe. It must be comprehensive ... that's vital. Blackborough. [Very forcefully.] I give you my word to support its integrity, if you'll keep with me in persuading Horsham that the inclusion of Trebell in his cabinet will be a blow to the whole Conservative Cause. Horsham, I implore you not to pursue this short-sighted policy. All parties have made up their minds to Disestablishment ... surely nothing should be easier than to frame a bill which will please all parties.
Farrant. [At last perceiving the drift of all this.] But good Lord, Blackborough ... now Cantelupe has come round and will stand in ...
Blackborough. That's no longer the point. And what's all this nonsense about going to the country again next year?
Horsham. [Mildly.] After consulting me Percival said at Bristol....
Blackborough. [Quite unchecked.] I know. But if we pursue a thoroughly safe policy and the bye-elections go right ... there need be no vote of censure carried for three or four years. The Radicals want a rest with the country and they know it. And one has no right, what's more, to go wantonly plunging the country into the expenses of these constant general elections. It ruins trade.
Farrant. [Forlornly sticking to his point.] What has all this to do with Trebell?
Horsham. [Thoughtfully.] Farrant, beyond what you've told us, Percival didn't recommend me to throw him over.
Farrant. No, he didn't ... that is, he didn't exactly.
Horsham. Well ... he didn't?
Farrant. I'm trying to be accurate! [Obviously their nerves are now on edge.] He said we should find him tough to assimilate—as he warned you.