Walter Kent. [With aplomb.] He knew he was safe from that. The government must have dissolved before Christmas anyway ... and the swing of the pendulum's a sure thing.
Mrs. Farrant. [With her smile.] It's never a sure thing.
Walter Kent. Oh, Mrs. Farrant, look how unpopular the Liberals are.
Frances Trebell. What made them bring in Resolutions?
Walter Kent. [Overflowing with knowledge of the subject.] I was told Mallaby insisted on their showing they meant business. I thought he was being too clever ... and it turns out he was. Tommy Luxmore told me there was a fearful row in the Cabinet about it. But on their last legs, you know, it didn't seem to matter, I suppose. Even then, if Prothero had mustered up an ounce of tact ... I believe they could have pulled them through....
Frances Trebell. Not the Spoliation one.
Walter Kent. Well, Mr. Trebell dished that!
Frances Trebell. Henry says his speech didn't turn a vote.
Mrs. Farrant. [With charming irony.] How disinterested of him!
Walter Kent. [Enthusiastic.] That speech did if ever a speech did.