[_Very kindly._] My dear, in the position entrusted to me I can’t take risks.... I dare say you know that one of the items in our programme is a modified form of compulsory service. I don’t know that I altogether like it myself, but it’ll take the wind out of the Tory sails, and we’ve got to do something. Robert has enthusiasm and he believes in the measure. He’s just the man to pilot it through the House. CATHERINE. He’s set his heart on getting the War Office. PERIGAL. [_Smiling._] Well, you have it in your hands to give it him. CATHERINE. I? Does he know that George Winter has made certain threats? PERIGAL. I think not. CATHERINE. Oh, what a responsibility you put upon me. PERIGAL. That generally goes with power, and at the moment you have that too. CATHERINE. [_After a moment’s reflection._] Robert and I have never hidden anything from one another. He wouldn’t wish me to decide on a matter that concerns us both so nearly without consulting him. Do you object to my putting the whole thing before him? PERIGAL. Not a bit! But I can tell you at once what his answer will be. He’ll say that he loves you, and if he must choose between you and everything that has seemed to make his life worth living, he chooses you without a moment’s hesitation. [CATHERINE _gives a little sigh of relief and delight_. PERIGAL. But while he’s in the very act of renouncing the world for your sake, look into his eyes, and perhaps you’ll see in them--oh, only for a moment, and you’ll have to look sharply--the shadow, the merest shadow of regret.... And perhaps in ten years, when I bring an ill-spent life to a close, you’ll say to yourself: If I hadn’t sacrificed him, he might be standing now in the shoes of that poor old incompetent Perigal. CATHERINE. [_Hoarsely, more moved than she wishes to show._] I don’t believe Robert is ambitious. PERIGAL. You have to be a shrewd observer always to know the difference between ambition and patriotism. CATHERINE. I could think the world well lost for love. PERIGAL. Yes, but you’re a woman. D’you think a man can? [CATHERINE _does not answer. Her face expresses the agony of her spirit as_ PERIGAL’S _words sink in_. PERIGAL. May I ring and ask if my carriage has come back? CATHERINE. Let me! [_She rings the bell._ PERIGAL. I asked Colby to fetch me in it so that we might run down to the House together. [_The_ BUTLER _enters to announce_ ROBERT COLBY, _and goes out_. THOMPSON. Mr. Colby. COLBY. I thought I’d come up for one moment just to say how d’you do. CATHERINE. [_Forcing some gaiety of manner._] I should have been furious if you hadn’t. PERIGAL. Of course!... I’ll just go up and see your father. CATHERINE. He will be so pleased. I’ll take you up. PERIGAL. No, no, no, no! I couldn’t hear of it. I can easily find my way. COLBY.