Bamford. It was houses. You've altered it. I ought to have been told. No one told me.
Smiths (looking up from the letter). He'll come round.
Ste. Yes.
Bamford (taking it personally; indignantly). Who'll come round? I won't come round. Houses it was and houses it's going to be.
Ste. (moving Smithson to give Alcorn the letter. Alcorn pockets it. Dryly.) We spoke of Sir Charles.
Bamford. Oh!
Smiths, (tentatively). I fancy, myself, houses would be a safer battle-cry with the people, Mr. Verity.
Ste. Damn the people. Who cares for the people?
Alcorn (rising). I really must protest. Such language! (He seems genuinely shocked.)
Ste. (impatiently). It's so silly to talk as if the people mattered. Government by the people! Any fool can lead 'em where he wants.