James.  And you could have had him, Maggie, at the end of five.  The document says five.

Maggie.  Do you think I grudge not being married to him yet?  Was I to hamper him till the fight was won?

David [with wrinkled brows].  But if it’s lost?

[She can’t answer.]

Alick [starting].  What’s that?

[The three listen at the door, the shouting dies down.]

David.  They’re terrible still; what can make them so still?

[James spirits himself away.  Alick and David blanch to hear Maggie speaking softly as if to John.]

Maggie.  Did you say you had lost, John?  Of course you would lose the first time, dear John.  Six years.  Very well, we’ll begin another six to-night.  You’ll win yet. [Fiercely] Never give in, John, never give in!

[The roar of the multitude breaks out again and comes rolling nearer.]

David.  I think he’s coming.

[James is fired into the room like a squeezed onion.]

James.  He’s coming!

[They may go on speaking, but through the clang outside none could hear.  The populace seems to be trying to take the committee room by assault.  Out of the scrimmage a man emerges dishevelled and bursts into the room, closing the door behind him.  It is John Shand in a five guinea suit, including the hat.  There are other changes in him also, for he has been delving his way through loamy ground all those years.  His right shoulder, which he used to raise to pound a path through the crowd, now remains permanently in that position.  His mouth tends to close like a box.  His eyes are tired, they need some one to pull the lids over them and send him to sleep for a week.  But they are honest eyes still, and faithful, and could even light up his face at times with a smile, if the mouth would give a little help.]

John [clinging to a chair that he may not fly straight to heaven].  I’m in; I’m elected.  Majority two hundred and forty-four; I’m John Shand, M.P.

[The crowd have the news by this time and their roar breaks the door open.  James is off at once to tell them that he is to be Shand’s brother-in-law.  A teardrop clings to ALICK’s nose; David hits out playfully at John, and John in an ecstasy returns the blow.]

David.  Fling yourself at the door, father, and bar them out.  Maggie, what keeps you so quiet now?

Maggie [weak in her limbs].  You’re sure you’re in, John?

John.  Majority 244.  I’ve beaten the baronet.  I’ve done it, Maggie, and not a soul to help me; I’ve done it alone. [His voice breaks; you could almost pick up the pieces.] I’m as hoarse as a crow, and I have to address the Cowcaddens Club yet; David, pump some oxygen into me.

David.  Certainly, Mr. Shand. [While he does it, Maggie is seeing visions.]