Trebell. But teaching—true teaching—is learning, and the wish to know is going to prevail against any creed ... so I think. I wish you cared as little for the form in which a truth is told as I do. On the whole, you see, I think I shall manage to plant your theology in such soil this spring that the garden will be fruitful. On the whole I'm a believer in Churches of all sorts and their usefulness to the State. Your present use is out-worn. Have I found you in this the beginnings of a new one?
Cantelupe. The Church says: Thank you, it is a very old one.
Trebell. [Winding up the interview.] To be sure, for practical politics our talk can be whittled down to your accepting the secular solution for Primary Schools, if you're given these colleges under such statutes as you and I shall agree upon.
Cantelupe. And the country will accept.
Trebell. The country will accept any measure if there's enough money in it to bribe all parties fairly.
Cantelupe. You expect very little of the constancy of my Church to her Faith, Mr. Trebell.
Trebell. I have only one belief myself. That is in human progress—yes, progress—over many obstacles and by many means. I have no ideals. I believe it is statesmanlike to use all the energy you find ... turning it into the nearest channel that points forward.
Cantelupe. Forward to what?
Trebell. I don't know ... and my caring doesn't matter. We do know ... and if we deny it it's only to be encouraged by contradiction ... that the movement is forward and with some gathering purpose. I'm friends with any fellow traveller.
Cantelupe has been considering him very curiously. Now he gets up to go.