Lady Davenport. [Enjoying her epigram.] What a waste of persecution history shows us!

Walter Kent now captures the conversation with a very young politician's fervour.

Walter Kent. Once they're disestablished they must make up their minds what they do believe.

Lady Davenport. I presume Lord Charles thinks it'll hand the Church over to him and his ... dare I say 'Sect'?

Walter Kent. Won't it? He knows what he wants.

Mrs. Farrant. [Subtly.] There's the election to come yet.

Walter Kent. But now both parties are pledged to a bill of some sort.

Mrs. Farrant. Political prophecies have a knack of not coming true; but, d'you know, Cyril Horsham warned me to watch this position developing ... nearly four years ago.

Frances Trebell. Sitting on the opposition bench sharpens the eye-sight.

Walter Kent. [Ironically.] Has he been pleased with the prospect?