I shan’t be a minute.
GEORGE WINTER.
You can get hold of the bill-posters, can’t you?
BOYCE.
Oh, yes, there’ll be no bother about that.
O’DONNELL.
Here you are. That’s done.
GEORGE WINTER.
Take it, Boyce. And hurry up.
BOYCE.
[_Taking a copy of the reply._] Trust me.
[_He goes out._
GEORGE WINTER.
[_Handing_ O’DONNELL _a second copy_.] Teddie, jump into a cab and go
round to the newspaper offices. And tell them to put that in their next
edition. Biggest type they’ve got. Then go to the Committee Rooms and
wait. I’ll ring you up there or come round.
O’DONNELL.
All right.
GEORGE WINTER.
And hustle, or I’ll sack you.
[_He goes out, and as he does so_ BENNETT _comes in_.
JAMES FORD.
You’re taking it better than I expected.
GEORGE WINTER.
What do you expect me to do; bang my head on the floor and tear out my
hair? Can’t afford it. Takes me all my time to keep my hair on.
ETCHINGHAM.
Here’s Bennett.
GEORGE WINTER.
Well?
BENNETT.
Nothing much has happened. They’re a bit excited in the City.
JAMES FORD.
No bad drop in anything?
BENNETT.
Nothing to speak of.
JAMES FORD.
That’s a relief.
GEORGE WINTER.
Everything is sound. No one would be such a fool as to do a bear.
BENNETT.
I’m getting on to MacLaren and Hewitt.
GEORGE WINTER.
That’s all right. I wanted them.
JAMES FORD.
Are they brokers?
GEORGE WINTER.
Yes. Look here, Ford. I’m due to speak in the Cattle Market now. I wish
you’d go down and keep them going till I turn up. I shall only be ten
minutes. You’ve got the line all right, Fred?
BENNETT.
Yes.
JAMES FORD.
Well, I don’t mind if I do that. There’s nothing I can do here, is
there?
GEORGE WINTER.
No, leave it all to me. Your interests are my interests.
JAMES FORD.
I’ll make tracks.
GEORGE WINTER.
That’s good.
[JAMES FORD _goes out_.
BENNETT.
Governor, I thought I’d better not say too much while he was there.
GEORGE WINTER.
I saw something was up. That’s why I got rid of him.
BENNETT.
Things are rotten.
ETCHINGHAM.
Good Lord.
BENNETT.
The Lewishams are going for us.
GEORGE WINTER.
I thought they would as soon as I saw the article.
BENNETT.
Who’s given it away, d’you think?
GEORGE WINTER.
How do I know? That doesn’t matter. The only thing is to face it.
ETCHINGHAM.
D’you mean our shares are falling, Mr. Bennett?
BENNETT.
There’s a lot of selling.
GEORGE WINTER.
I wish we could corner them. I’d like to give the bears a lesson.
BENNETT.
If it goes on there’ll be a panic.
GEORGE WINTER.
You’ve told the brokers to do all they can to prevent its going too far?
BENNETT.
I’ve told them to buy, but carefully.
GEORGE WINTER.
You must go up to London, Fred. There’s no one there with a head on his
shoulders.
BENNETT.
I thought that was the best thing myself. I’ve looked out the trains. I
can just catch the express. I shall be there soon after one.
GEORGE WINTER.
Then bolt at once. I give you a free hand.
BENNETT.
If the slump can be stopped, I’ll stop it.
GEORGE WINTER.
It’s not a matter of can. It must be stopped. And wire reassuring
messages. We must hang on to the telephone for all we’re worth.
BENNETT.
Good-bye.
GEORGE WINTER.
And come back when the House closes. We must talk over things.
BENNETT.
All right. Good luck.
[_He goes out._
ETCHINGHAM.
Is it all up with us, George?
GEORGE WINTER.
What the dickens are you talking about?
ETCHINGHAM.
They’ve found out the truth. It’s there in black and white that the
wretched mine’s worthless.
GEORGE WINTER.
They can’t prove anything.
ETCHINGHAM.
Ever since I knew I’ve scarcely closed my eyes at night. I wish I’d shot
myself when you first told me.
GEORGE WINTER.
My dear fellow, you’re much more comfortable here than you would be at
Kensal Green.
ETCHINGHAM.
And the worst of it is.... [_He breaks off._] At first I was overcome
with the horror of it. But little by little I’ve got used to it, used to
your being a thief and a swindler.
GEORGE WINTER.
[_With a chuckle._] You put things rather bluntly, don’t you?
ETCHINGHAM.
And Bennett was a convict. It all seems quite natural now. And I can
talk and laugh with you. And I eat by your side every day.
GEORGE WINTER.
One can’t make a fortune without taking risks.
ETCHINGHAM.
There are always those missing bonds. They’re in my thoughts day and
night.
GEORGE WINTER.
No one can make inquiries for three weeks. By that time we shall have
gone to allotment, and the bonds will be safely back in the black box.
ETCHINGHAM.
But will you be able to go to allotment?
GEORGE WINTER.
Of course we shall. This article isn’t going to do us any harm. I shall
win the seat. That’ll give these Middlepool people confidence.
ETCHINGHAM.
George, I believe Ford is uneasy. I don’t trust him. Supposing he found
out about the bonds?
GEORGE WINTER.
It might be devilish expensive.
ETCHINGHAM.
You’ll never buy him.
GEORGE WINTER.
I never met the man yet who hadn’t his price. Flattery if he’s a fool,
hard cash if he’s a wise man. But a price of some sort. There’s always a
price.
ETCHINGHAM.
Take care of Ford, George.
GEORGE WINTER.
[_With a smile._] I’m not frightened.
ETCHINGHAM.
Sometimes I’m afraid, you’re so confident. It’s impossible a thing like
this can end well.
GEORGE WINTER.
I believe in my star. I’ve been in tight corners before, but I’ve
wriggled out of them. I’m stronger than ever I was. I’ve got ten times
more brains than any of my competitors. The ball is at my feet and I’ve
only got to set it rolling. What d’you think difficulties are to me?
I’ve never been in better spirits, so alert, so buoyant, as during these
last weeks when my neck has been in a noose and every policeman I passed
might have a warrant in his pocket for my arrest. If there were ten
times more difficulties I’d overcome them all. In ten years I shall be
the richest man in London. In fifteen I shall be a peer. My God, I feel
as if the world were an orange and I’d got my teeth into it, and I shall
suck it dry.
ETCHINGHAM.
I wonder how many ruined lives will be sacrificed to give you all you
want. You walk over dead bodies and broken hearts.
GEORGE WINTER.
Rot! I flutter the will-o’-the-wisp of gain before the covetous, and
they follow. They want to make money without working for it. Well, I’m
cleverer than they are. Swalecliffe gambles with his five hundred
pounds. His five hundred pounds will find its way into my pocket. It’s
his own look out. Each for himself and the devil take the hindmost.
[_With a start._] By George, I’ve got an idea.... The Lewishams can’t
attack my stocks without weakening their own. We’re in the same boat,
and if one of us shakes it both’ll topple out.
ETCHINGHAM.
What d’you mean?
GEORGE WINTER.
Well, we’ll attack the Lewishams. I’ll get on to MacLaren’s at once. Go
to the post office and wire to Bennett. He’s sure to call at the office.
_Sell Lewishams._ He’ll twig. By George, that’s the ticket. Why didn’t I
think of it before? We’ll make the Lewishams sorry they started this
game.
ETCHINGHAM.
But supposing ...?
GEORGE WINTER.
Good God, man, don’t suppose, do as I tell you. Don’t you see we’ve got
nothing to lose and everything to gain? I know my luck’s in. And I
follow my luck. That’s genius.
[ETCHINGHAM _with a sigh and a shrug of the shoulders goes out to
send the telegram_. GEORGE WINTER _begins to walk excitedly up and
down_.
CURTAIN.
SCENE II
_The scene takes place in the sitting-room of the Palace Hotel, but
it is eleven o’clock at night. Only a reading lamp is lit, the
light of which falls on_ CATHERINE _and_ LADY FRANCIS. CATHERINE
_is working at some embroidery_.
LADY FRANCIS.
Can you see, dear? Wouldn’t you like some more light?
CATHERINE.
[_With an affectionate smile._] No, the light hurts my eyes.
LADY FRANCIS.
You’re looking very pale, darling.
CATHERINE.
I haven’t been sleeping very well here. We’re so near the trains, and
they seem to run all night.
LADY FRANCIS.
I wonder how George can stand it. His room is practically on the
railway.
CATHERINE.
Thank heaven, it’s over. We shall know the result in half an hour, and
to-morrow we can go.
LADY FRANCIS.
What are you going to do?
CATHERINE.
What can I do? Nothing.
LADY FRANCIS.
I’m afraid you’re very unhappy, Kate.
CATHERINE.
[_Smiling._] Please don’t think that, mother.
LADY FRANCIS.
You’ve given up everything for our sake.
CATHERINE.
I wish I could think so. I gave up my divorce because--because I was
afraid. I couldn’t risk the regret that Robert might feel later. I
should always have been looking for it.... One must never forget that
love is a woman’s whole life, but it’s never more than part of a man’s,
never.
LADY FRANCIS.
What did you tell him?
CATHERINE.
I wrote and said I found it impossible to go on with my action. I begged
him not to try to move me. I told him I was very unhappy.
LADY FRANCIS.
Poor child.
CATHERINE.
He wrote very kindly. He made it as easy for me as he could. And now
it’s all over. I’ve lost my last chance of happiness. I’m bound to my
husband for the rest of my life.
LADY FRANCIS.
And do you still love Robert?
CATHERINE.
[_Smiling._] Yes. And I’m glad of what I’ve done. The only thing that
helps me is the pride I take in all the great things he’s going to do.
And it will have been me. I gave him the opportunity.
[ANNE _comes in. She is wearing a coat and skirt and a hat._
ANNE.
Well! You are strange people. How on earth can you sit there and sew
while the counting’s going on? I’ve never been so excited in my life.
CATHERINE.
Why have you come back?
ANNE.
Well, it’s nearly finished now. Teddie said there’d be rather a
scrummage when the result was known, and I’d better get out of the way.
CATHERINE.
[_Smiling._] Obedient creature.
ANNE.
It rather amuses me to be ordered about. Besides, I couldn’t help seeing
that nobody wanted me. Teddie promised he’d bolt round as soon as the
result was out. I say, let’s have some light, shall we?
[_She turns on the electricity, and the room is suddenly a glare of
light._
LADY FRANCIS.
You’ll blind us.
ANNE.
I love an election. I’ve never had such a time in my life. I’ve enjoyed
every minute of these three weeks. I hope Teddie’ll go into Parliament.
LADY FRANCIS.
[_Raising her eyebrows._] On four hundred a year?
ANNE.
Oh, George will give us a rise. He says Teddie’s awfully useful. George
_is_ good, isn’t he?
CATHERINE.
I’m glad you’re so happy, darling.
ANNE.
[_Abruptly, after a little, quick look at her._] You’re not angry with
us, Kate?
CATHERINE.
Good heavens, why should I be?
ANNE.
You know, it’s so dreadfully hard to pretend I haven’t got eyes in my
head.... Why don’t you make it up with George, Katie?
CATHERINE.
I don’t know what makes you think there’s anything to make up.
ANNE.
Oh, my dear, what I didn’t guess for myself Teddie told me.
CATHERINE.
He would have been wiser to mind his own business.
ANNE.
It was rather....
CATHERINE.
If you knew how things were between George and myself, and you were
willing to accept his favours what do you expect me to say? I didn’t ask
you not to. I knew if I had you would only have refused. I’m cynical
enough to know that in this world each of us takes care of his own
interests.
LADY FRANCIS.
My dear, don’t be so bitter.
ANNE.
One has to take people as one finds them; George has always been
charming to me. If you’d only make allowances for him....
CATHERINE.
[_Interrupting vehemently._] Oh, my dear, don’t. I’m not in the humour
to stand that. Leave me to lead my own life without interference. Surely
it’s enough that to bind me to him George should give you an income to
marry on. You can’t want more from me than that.
ANNE.
Oh, my dear, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything that would hurt
you.
CATHERINE.
[_Recovering herself._] You haven’t. Forgive me. I didn’t mean to make a
scene, but my nerves are a little upset. I’m a very weak, selfish woman,
audit’s dreadfully hard to be half as angelic as you think me. I’m very
glad that you’re going to marry Teddie. You’re in love with one another,
and if you haven’t much money, what does it matter? I’m sure you’ll be
tremendously happy.
ANNE.
You are a dear.
[FRANCIS ETCHINGHAM _comes in_. _He is wearing a dinner jacket and
a black tie._ ANNE _springs up impulsively_.
ANNE.
Is it over?
ETCHINGHAM.
No, I was too anxious to stay any longer.
LADY FRANCIS.
But George is going to get in?
ETCHINGHAM.
Who can tell? The seat has always been lost or held by a handful of
votes.
ANNE.
But how did it seem to be going?
ETCHINGHAM.
Winter, Morrison, Winter, Morrison. One vote on one side, one vote on
the other. It seemed interminable.
LADY FRANCIS.
He won by seventy-five last time.
ETCHINGHAM.
Who can tell the effect of all these rumours and suspicions and attacks?
They may just have made the difference. Oh, it’s maddening.
CATHERINE.
Sit down, father, and rest. You look quite done up.
ETCHINGHAM.
Even George is anxious. I know his face so well. He’s trying to appear
as if he were certain.
ANNE.
No human being could help being anxious.
LADY FRANCIS.
[_With a sudden start._] I thought I heard some shouting.
ANNE.
Oh, I wish I hadn’t come away.
LADY FRANCIS.
Let’s open the window. Perhaps we shall hear something.
[LADY FRANCIS _and_ ANNE _go to the window and open it_.
LADY FRANCIS.
No, I was mistaken.
ANNE.
Listen. I’m sure I hear cheering.
[_She goes out on to the balcony. She and_ LADY FRANCIS _are half
hidden from view, so that it may be supposed the following scene
between_ CATHERINE _and_ LORD FRANCIS _is not heard by them_.
ETCHINGHAM.
[_In a low voice to_ CATHERINE.] Oh, my dear, will you ever forgive me?
CATHERINE.
Oh, father, don’t. It was very noble of you not to tell me anything
before I decided. Now that I know the whole truth....
ETCHINGHAM.
The only hope we’ve got is to go on. If he gets in, if we can pull
things together, we may get out of the muddle. He’s positive of it. The
only thing that held me up was the thought of all of you. If I’d gone to
the police there and then--or made away with myself, it would have meant
the ruin of all of you.
CATHERINE.
And of all the unhappy people who’ve trusted everything they had to
George.
ETCHINGHAM.
You think I was right, Kate, don’t you? It wasn’t just cowardice on my
part?
CATHERINE.
I hope you were right.
ETCHINGHAM.
But if it was all in vain? If he’s not able to float the company and
the truth comes out, then I shall have sacrificed you for nothing.
CATHERINE.
Oh, don’t think of it.
ETCHINGHAM.
I believe if he wins the election he’ll be strong enough to force the
issue on them.
CATHERINE.
But if the mine’s worthless?
ETCHINGHAM.
We’re going to buy the shares in when the tide turns in Central America.
Things are looking brighter already. He’s promised me that no one shall
lose a farthing. When that’s done I go. Oh, how thankful I shall be!
CATHERINE.
Oh, I know, I know.
ETCHINGHAM.
I had to tell some one, and I couldn’t tell your mother.
CATHERINE.
I’m glad you told me. It makes it easier to bear now we both know.
ANNE.
At last!... Father, father.
[_She comes back into the room, excitedly, and at the same time a
vague, muffled shouting is heard in the distance._ ETCHINGHAM
_springs to his feet_.
ETCHINGHAM.
Thank God. The suspense was awful.
LADY FRANCIS.
There’s no mistaking it this time.
ETCHINGHAM.
Is he in? Is he in?
ANNE.
Of course he’s in. I’ve never felt so confident in my life.
ETCHINGHAM.
If it’s all right, then we’re safe. I’m sure it’s the beginning of the
turn.
LADY FRANCIS.
Why doesn’t Teddie make haste?
ANNE.
Listen to the shouting. Isn’t it splendid?
[_More shouting is heard, this time a little louder._
ETCHINGHAM.
I expect they’re reading out the figures.
[TEDDIE O’DONNELL _rushes in, rather dishevelled, with his hat on
the back of his head_.
O’DONNELL.
He’s in!
ANNE.
How ripping!
[FRANCIS ETCHINGHAM _sinks into a chair, too overcome to speak,
trying to compose himself_. CATHERINE _puts her hand on his
shoulder to show her sympathy_.
LADY FRANCIS.
What’s the majority?
O’DONNELL.
Twenty-seven.
ANNE.
I say, what a squeak!
O’DONNELL.
Just at the end I thought we were beaten. It was Morrison, Morrison,
Morrison, until I almost screamed.
ETCHINGHAM.
Well, he’s in at all events.
ANNE.
I am glad.
[_She throws her arms impulsively round_ O’DONNELL’S _neck and
kisses him_.
O’DONNELL.
By Jove, it was a moment to live for when the figures were read out. You
never heard such shouting.
CATHERINE.
Where is he now?
O’DONNELL.
When I left he was making a speech to the crowd. But one couldn’t hear a
word, because every one was shouting at the top of his voice. I simply
bellowed.
ANNE.
[_Enthusiastically._] Aren’t you glad, Kate?
CATHERINE.
[_Smiling._] Yes, very glad.
ANNE.
How can you take it so quietly!
LADY FRANCIS.
Is he coming here?
O’DONNELL.
Yes. I forgot to give you his message. He sent his love to Kate, and
said he’d be here in two twos.
ANNE.
I wish he’d hurry up. Isn’t he a darling?
O’DONNELL.
He’s the greatest man I’ve ever known. He’s a perfect stunner. I don’t
know what there is about him, but you can’t help believing in him. And
he was so splendid this morning about those confounded lies in the
paper. All the rest of them were as frightened as rabbits, but he never
turned a hair.
ANNE.
[_Excitedly._] There’s a car.
O’DONNELL.
That’s it, I bet you anything you like.
ANNE.
How jolly of him to come quickly! [_She runs to the door and opens it._]
George, George!
[GEORGE WINTER _comes in boisterously and clasps_ ANNE _in his
arms_.
ANNE.
Isn’t it splendid!
GEORGE WINTER.
Glorious victory, what!
[_He is followed by_ COLONEL BOYCE, JAMES FORD, MR. SWALECLIFFE,
_and two other men_.
ETCHINGHAM.
Thank God!
GEORGE WINTER.
You haven’t been worried about it? I knew I’d get in. I never had a
moment’s doubt about it.
JAMES FORD.
[_Drily._] No one can say you don’t believe in yourself.
GEORGE WINTER.
Hang it all, if you don’t believe in yourself, how can you expect other
people to believe in you? Drinks, gentlemen!
O’DONNELL.
Shall I ring?
GEORGE WINTER.
I told the waiter on my way up. Here they are. [_A couple of waiters
come in with glasses and bottles of champagne._] No teetotalism
to-night, Mr. Swalecliffe. By Jove, I’m thirsty. Pour it out. Pour it
out.
SWALECLIFFE.
I never touch alcohol, Mr. Winter.
GEORGE WINTER.
Poor is the heart that never rejoices. Have you all got glasses,
gentlemen? Come on, Lady Francis. Don’t be backward, Anne.
ANNE.
Yes, please.
GEORGE WINTER.
That’s right. Now then, Teddie. All ready? Gentlemen, I give you my
wife, to whom this glorious victory is due.
ALL.
Mrs. Winter, Mrs. Winter. Catherine.
CATHERINE.
[_Embarrassed and shy._] Thank you very much.
[_There are shouts outside, cheers_: WINTER, WINTER, _For he’s a
jolly good fellow_.
GEORGE WINTER.
Hulloa, they’ve come round to the hotel.
ANNE.
Just look at the crowd.
O’DONNELL.
Shall I open the window?
GEORGE WINTER.
[_Stepping forward._] Yes.
[_At his appearance the shouts break out more tumultuously. Cheer
upon cheer is heard._ GEORGE WINTER _puts up his hand for silence_.
GEORGE WINTER.
Gentlemen, we’ve won a great fight. We’ve won in face of a campaign of
lies, of misrepresentation, and of scandal. Truth always prevails.
Honesty is the best policy. A glorious victory, gentlemen, and a triumph
for English honesty, English plain dealing, and English integrity.
Gentlemen, I drink your health.
[_He drinks his glass of champagne before the crowd. The cheering
which has been going on all through the speech now grows louder and
louder. There are shouts of_ MRS. WINTER.
GEORGE WINTER.
Kate, they want you.
CATHERINE.
No. Please not.
GEORGE WINTER.
Come. No false modesty. Give them a bow, that won’t hurt you.
[_He takes her hand and draws her to the window. The crowd bursts
out again into cheering._ GEORGE WINTER _comes back into the room_.
GEORGE WINTER.
My word, what a moment!
BOYCE.
You must be dead beat.
GEORGE WINTER.
I? Fresh as a daisy. Nothing can beat me.
O’DONNELL.
[_Taking out his watch._] By Jove, I had no idea it was so late.
BOYCE.
I think I’ll be getting along.
GEORGE WINTER.
Oh, nonsense! Why, the evening’s only just beginning.
BOYCE.
I’m dog tired.
SWALECLIFFE.
I must be getting away, too. My wife will be wanting to know all about
it.
GEORGE WINTER.
Well, if I can’t persuade you, I suppose I can’t. I hope you’ll all have
as good a night as I mean to.
SWALECLIFFE.
You think it’s all right about--about that matter?
GEORGE WINTER.
Don’t you worry your head. It’s as right as rain. I tell you that
nothing I touch can fail.
SWALECLIFFE.
Then good-night.
GEORGE WINTER.
Good-night.
[COLONEL BOYCE, SWALECLIFFE, _and the other two men who came in
with them, go out_.
GEORGE WINTER.
You’re not going yet, Ford?
JAMES FORD.
No. If you don’t mind I’d like to have a word with you when you can
spare me a few minutes.
GEORGE WINTER.
As many as you like. I’m ready now.
LADY FRANCIS.
If you’re going to talk business, we’d better leave you.
JAMES FORD.
I’m in no hurry, my lady.
LADY FRANCIS.
It really is getting very late.
O’DONNELL.
Aren’t you too tired for business now?
GEORGE WINTER.
Tired? I don’t know what it is to be tired. When you write my biography,
young man, you can say that after the hardest fought battle of the
election, when the cheers of the multitude were still ringing in his
ears, he sat down at midnight, fresh as paint, and talked business with
the shrewdest man in Middlepool till break of day.
JAMES FORD.
[_Drily._] It’ll be more accurate if you say for ten minutes.
GEORGE WINTER.
But so much less effective.
ANNE.
I’m sure you’ve been drinking too much champagne, George.
GEORGE WINTER.
[_Laughing._] Nonsense. I could drink a gallon, and be as sober as a
judge at the end of it.
ANNE.
Well, good-night.
GEORGE WINTER.
[_Kissing her._] Good-night, my chick. Have you named the happy day
yet?
LADY FRANCIS.
Good-night.
GEORGE WINTER.
[_To_ _O’Donnell_.] And you can add that I enveloped my mother-in-law in
my arms.
LADY FRANCIS.
[_With a smile, warding off his attempt to embrace her._] I congratulate
you. It’s been a great triumph.
GEORGE WINTER.
Oh, it’s only the beginning. I’ve got the world at my feet. In ten years
I shall be crying like Alexander because there are no more worlds to
conquer.
O’DONNELL.
You don’t want me any more, do you?
[LADY FRANCIS _and_ ANNE _go out_.
GEORGE WINTER.
No, go to bed. You’re young, and you want your beauty sleep. I’ll be
bound you’re not worried by the trains. Where’s your room?
O’DONNELL.
It’s just above yours. But I sleep like a top.
GEORGE WINTER.
That’s a good sign. You’ll be as great a man as I am one of these days.
O’DONNELL.
[_With a laugh._] Good-night.
GEORGE WINTER.
[_To_ ETCHINGHAM.] And you’d better go off too, old man. You look tired
out.
ETCHINGHAM.
[_Wearily._] It’s been an exciting day for all of us.
GEORGE WINTER.
It’s been one of the days that make life worth living.
ETCHINGHAM.
Good-night.
[_As they go out_ CATHERINE _comes forward_.
CATHERINE.
I won’t say good-night to you just yet. If Mr. Ford is not going to keep
you long I should like to speak to you afterwards.
JAMES FORD.
It’ll be ten minutes at the utmost, Mrs. Winter.
GEORGE WINTER.
[_With exaggerated gallantry._] I’m at your disposal, darling, now and
always.
[_With a slight bow to_ JAMES FORD, CATHERINE _goes out_.
GEORGE WINTER.
I told you I was justified in trusting my luck. Everything is coming out
right. The Lewishams won’t be able to stand against me much longer.
They’ll have to take me in. We’ll combine our interests, and then we
shall hold Central America in the hollow of our hands. You’ll be in it
too, James. You’re going to be a richer man than you guess. And when I’m
in with the Lewishams I shall bide my time. Manny Lewisham can’t last
much longer, and his sons are fools. When he’s gone I shall get the
whole business in my hands. I’ve got ten times more brains than anyone
in that market. There’s no one who can stand against me.
JAMES FORD.
[_Quietly._] You haven’t forgotten that article in _The Financial
Standard_?
GEORGE WINTER.
[_Gaily._] Oh, is that what you want to talk to me about? I tell you
that shan’t disturb my night’s rest. By the way, that reminds me: if I
have won the election it was through no help of yours. I asked you to go
down and speak in the Cattle Market, and when I got there I found
there’d been no sign of you. It might have been devilish awkward.
JAMES FORD.
Well, it so happens it didn’t matter.
GEORGE WINTER.
Where did you get to after all?
JAMES FORD.
[_Looking at him._] I went up to London!
GEORGE WINTER.
[_Indifferently, doing all he can to hide his suspicion._] Did you?
JAMES FORD.