Alick [who feels that JOHN’s greatness has been outside the conversation quite long enough].  And his rise wasn’t so rapid, just at first, David!

David.  He had his fight.  His original intention was to become a minister; he’s university-educated, you know; he’s not a working-man member.

Alick [with reverence].  He’s an M.A.  But while he was a student he got a place in an iron-cementer’s business.

Comtesse [now far out of her depths].  Iron-cementer?

David.  They scrape boilers.

Comtesse.  I see.  The fun men have, Sybil!

David [with some solemnity].  There have been millions made in scraping boilers.  They say, father, he went into business so as to be able to pay off the L300.

Alick [slily].  So I’ve heard.

Comtesse.  Aha—­it was a loan?

[David and Alick are astride their great subject now.]

David.  No, a gift—­of a sort—­from some well-wishers.  But they wouldn’t hear of his paying it off, father!

Alick.  Not them!

Comtesse [restraining an impulse to think of other things].  That was kind, charming.

Alick [with a look at David].  Yes.  Well, my lady, he developed a perfect genius for the iron-cementing.

David.  But his ambition wasn’t satisfied.  Soon he had public life in his eye.  As a heckler he was something fearsome; they had to seat him on the platform for to keep him quiet.  Next they had to let him into the Chair.  After that he did all the speaking; he cleared all roads before him like a fire-engine; and when this vacancy occurred, you could hardly say it did occur, so quickly did he step into it.  My lady, there are few more impressive sights in the world than a Scotsman on the make.

Comtesse.  I can well believe it.  And now he has said farewell to boilers?

David [impressively].  Not at all; the firm promised if he was elected for to make him their London manager at L800 a year.

Comtesse.  There is a strong man for you, Sybil; but I believe you are asleep.

Sybil [stirring herself].  Honestly, I’m not. [Sweetly to the others] But would you mind finding out whether my brother is drawing to a close?

[David goes out, leaving poor Alick marooned.  The Comtesse is kind to him.]

Comtesse.  Thank you very much. [Which helps Alick out.] Don’t you love a strong man, sleepy head?

Sybil [preening herself].  I never met one.

Comtesse.  Neither have I. But if you did meet one, would he wakes you up?

Sybil.  I dare say he would find there were two of us.

Comtesse [considering her].  Yes, I think he would.  Ever been in love, you cold thing?