Shelder.  Case of conscience?

More.  Such things have happened, Shelder, even in politics.

Shelder.  You see, our ideals are naturally low—­how different from yours!

     [More smiles.]

     Katherine, who has drawn near her husband, moves back again, as
     if relieved at this gleam of geniality.  Wace rubs his hands.

Banning.  There’s one thing you forget, sir.  We send you to Parliament, representing us; but you couldn’t find six men in the whole constituency that would have bidden you to make that speech.

More.  I’m sorry; but I can’t help my convictions, Banning.

Shelder.  What was it the prophet was without in his own country?

Banning.  Ah! but we’re not funning, Mr. More.  I’ve never known feeling run so high.  The sentiment of both meetings was dead against you.  We’ve had showers of letters to headquarters.  Some from very good men—­very warm friends of yours.

Shelder.  Come now!  It’s not too late.  Let’s go back and tell them you won’t do it again.

More.  Muzzling order?

Banning. [Bluntly] That’s about it.

More.  Give up my principles to save my Parliamentary skin.  Then, indeed, they might call me a degenerate! [He touches the newspapers on the table.]

     Katherine makes an abrupt and painful movement, then remains as
     still as before, leaning against the corner of the window-seat.

Banning.  Well, Well!  I know.  But we don’t ask you to take your words back—­we only want discretion in the future.

More.  Conspiracy of silence!  And have it said that a mob of newspapers have hounded me to it.

Banning.  They won’t say that of you.

Shelder.  My dear More, aren’t you rather dropping to our level?  With your principles you ought not to care two straws what people say.

More.  But I do.  I can’t betray the dignity and courage of public men.  If popular opinion is to control the utterances of her politicians, then good-bye indeed to this country!

Banning.  Come now!  I won’t say that your views weren’t sound enough before the fighting began.  I’ve never liked our policy out there.  But our blood’s being spilled; and that makes all the difference.  I don’t suppose they’d want me exactly, but I’d be ready to go myself.  We’d all of us be ready.  And we can’t have the man that represents us talking wild, until we’ve licked these fellows.  That’s it in a nutshell.

More.  I understand your feeling, Banning.  I tender you my resignation.  I can’t and won’t hold on where I’m not wanted.

Banning.  No, no, no!  Don’t do that! [His accent broader and broader] You’ve ’ad your say, and there it is.  Coom now!  You’ve been our Member nine years, in rain and shine.