FARN. (_a little dashed_). Well, they've been saying we have nothing to offer but personal popularity. No practical reform. No---- STONOR. No truckling to the masses, I suppose. (_Walks impatiently away._) FARN. (_snubbed_). Well, in these democratic days---- (_Turns to_ JEAN _for countenance._) I hope you'll forgive my bursting in like this. (_Struck by her face._) But I can see you realise the gravity---- (_Lowering his voice with an air of speaking for her ear alone._) It isn't as if he were going to be a mere private member. Everybody knows he'll be in the Cabinet. STONOR (_drily_). It may be a Liberal Cabinet. FARN. Nobody thought so up to last night. Why, even your brother--but I am afraid I'm seeming officious. (_Takes up his hat._) STONOR (_coldly_). What about my brother? FARN. I met Lord Windlesham as I rushed out of the Carlton. STONOR. Did he say anything? FARN. I told him the Dutfield news. STONOR (_impatiently_). Well? FARN. He said it only confirmed his fears. STONOR (_half under his breath_). Said that, did he? FARN. Yes. Defeat is inevitable, he thinks, unless---- (_Pause._) (GEOFFREY STONOR, _who has been pacing the floor, stops but doesn't raise his eyes._) unless you can "manufacture some political dynamite within the next few hours." Those were his words. STONOR (_resumes his walking to and fro, raises his head and catches sight of_ JEAN'S _white, drawn face. Stops short_). You are very tired. JEAN. No. No. STONOR (_to_ FARNBOROUGH). I'm obliged to you for taking so much trouble. (_Shakes hands by way of dismissing Farnborough._) I'll see what can be done. FARN. (_offering the reply-paid form_). If you'd like to wire I'll take it. STONOR (_faintly amused_). You don't understand, my young friend. Moves of this kind are not rushed at by responsible politicians. I must have time for consideration. FARN. (_disappointed_). Oh, well, I only hope someone else won't jump into the breach before you--(_Watch in hand_) I tell you. (_To_ JEAN.) I'll find out what time the newspapers go to press on Sunday. Goodbye. (_To_ STONOR.) I'll be at the Club just _in case_ I can be of any use. STONOR (_firmly_). No, don't do that. If I should have anything new to say---- FARN. (_feverishly_). B-b-but with our party, as your brother said--"heading straight for a vast electoral disaster----" STONOR. If I decide on a counterblast I shall simply telegraph to headquarters. Goodbye. FARN. Oh--a--g-goodbye. (_A gesture of "The country's going to the dogs."_) (JEAN _rings the bell. Exit_ FARNBOROUGH.) STONOR (_studying the carpet_). "Political dynamite," eh? (_Pause._) After all ... women are much more conservative than men--aren't they? (JEAN _looks straight in front of her, making no attempt to reply._)