TREBELL. I've seen the last of Pump Court, Gilbert.
WEDGECROFT. The Bar ought to give you a testimonial ... to the man who not
only could retire on twenty years' briefs, but has.
TREBELL. Fifteen. But I bled the City sharks with a good conscience ...
quite freely.
WEDGECROFT. [_With a pretence at grumbling._] I wish I could retire.
TREBELL. No you don't. Doctoring's a priestcraft ... you've taken vows.
WEDGECROFT. Then why don't you establish _our_ church instead of ...
TREBELL. Yes, my friend ... but you're a heretic. I'd have to give the
Medical Council power to burn you at the stake.
KENT. [_With the book packages._] Parcel from the S.P.C.K., sir.
TREBELL. I know.... Disestablishment a crime against God; sermon preached by
the Vicar of something Parva in eighteen seventy three. I hope you're aware
it's your duty to read all those.
KENT. Suppose they convert me? Lucy wanted to know if she could see you.
TREBELL. [_His eyebrows up._] Yes, I'll call at Mrs. Farrant's. Oh, wait.
Aren't they coming to dinner?
KENT. To-night? No, I think they go back to Shapters by the five o'clock. I
told her she might come round about twelve on the chance.
TREBELL. Yes ... if Cantelupe's punctual ... I'd sooner not have too long
with him.
KENT. All right, then.
_He goes, shutting the door; then you hear the door of his room shut
too. The two friends face each other, glad of a talk._
TREBELL. Well?
WEDGECROFT. Well ... you'll never do it.
TREBELL. Yes, I shall.
WEDGECROFT. You can't carry any bill to be a credit to you with the coming
Tory cabinet on your back. You know the Government is cursing you with its
dying breath.
TREBELL. [_Rubbing his hands._] Of course. They've been beaten out of the
House and in now. I suppose they will meet Parliament.