Peter. You said it. (_He goes out, speaking as if to a crowd below._) Comrades, I'm here. (_Cheers off._) From the house of our Mayor, on whom I am calling as the people's candidate at this election---- [_Fred, crosses and closes window. Faint murmur only is audible off._ Fred. I can't stand this. He's spouting Socialism from our balcony. (_Angrily._) This is your fault, Gladys. Glad. I was told to keep him here. [_Lady Mottram has collapsed on the Chesterfield._ Fred. Not with a mob howling for him outside. Glad. I didn't bring the mob. Lady M. What will Sir Jasper say? Fred, (_recovering his temper_). He'll not be fit to listen to. We're the laughing-stock of Midlandton. This _'_ull win Garside the election. He's using the balcony of the Chairman of the Employers' Federation for his platform, and we've let him do it. Glad. We tried to trick him and he's turned the tables on us. That's all. Fred. Clever beast. (_Laughter off._) Lady M. Listen to the cheering! Fred. Oh, he's popular, only that's not cheering. It's laughter. Lady M. What are they laughing at? Fred. At us, _ma petite mère_, at us. Lady M. (_standing, with extreme dignity_). They wouldn't dare! [_Loud burst of laughter._ CURTAIN ACT III. _Peter's rooms in the Temple. Door extreme right centre, with the passage beyond visible with telephone on its wall when the door is open. Door left. Fireplace centre, with low fire shining dully in the darkened room. Bookcase right. Below it, table with inkstand. Blue books, etc., and revolving chair. Arm-chairs, left and right of fireplace. Sofa left, between fireplace and door. Heavy carpet. The whole appointments indicate comfort and taste, as understood in Tottenham Court Road: there is nothing individual about them._ _As the curtain rises the room is in darkness, except for the glow from the fire, and the telephone bell right is ringing. After a moment's pause the outside door opens; then Peter in a lounge suit, overcoat, and bowler hat opens the door right and turns on the electric light. He speaks as he looks off right. His self-confidence has increased. He is, in fact, coarsened and even brazen at times._ ***** Peter. Come in here. (_Freddie and Gladys follow him in. Peter stands by door._) Make yourselves at home for two minutes. That's my telephone ringing like mad. [_Exit Peter hurriedly, closing the door. Bell ceases ringing. Gladys is in winter costume with furs. Freddie, in heavy overcoat with hat in hand and a cane which he swings as he stands centre, surveying the room in astonishment._ Fred. By Jove! By Jove! Glad. (_standing off_). What's the matter? Fred. Does himself all right. Glad. What did you expect? Fred. I didn't expect this. Glad. Was that why you didn't want to come in? Fred. I didn't want to come because I've to meet Charlie Beversham at the hotel in half an hour. Glad. Well, you can meet him. Fred. Not if we stay here long. Glad. You needn't stay here.