PARNELL (picking up the paper, and looking at it with contemptuous disgust). Why did you?
KATHARINE. Isn't "wilful" a sufficient answer, my dear?
(And with a covert look of amusement she watches him tear and throw the paper into the fire.)
Why do you try to make me a coward? You aren't one yourself.
PARNELL. That gutter-stuff! (And the second paper joins its fellow in the flames.)
KATHARINE. Now wasn't that just a bit unnecessary? After all, they are helping to make history. That is public opinion—the voice of the people, you know.
PARNELL. Not our people!
KATHARINE. Oh? Have you brought back any better news—from there?
PARNELL. Nothing special. The result of the election was out.
KATHARINE. You didn't wire it. How much were we to the bad?