John.  ‘So long as I can do so without embarrassing the Government.’

Comtesse.  Ah, ah, Mr. Shand!

John.  ’I call upon the Front Bench, sir, loyally but firmly’—­

Comtesse.  Firm again!

John. —­’either to accept my Bill, or to promise without Delay to bring in one of their own; and if they decline to do so I solemnly warn them that though I will not press the matter to a division just now’—­

Comtesse.  Ahem!

John.  ‘I will bring it forward again in the near future.’  And now Comtesse, you know that I’m not going to divide—­and not another soul knows it.

Comtesse.  I am indeed flattered by your confidence.

John.  I’ve only told you because I don’t care who knows now.

Comtesse.  Oh!

[Somehow Maggie seems to be dissatisfied.]

Maggie.  But why is that, John?

John.  I daren’t keep the Government in doubt any longer about what I mean to do.  I’ll show the whips the speech privately to-night.

Maggie [who still wants to know].  But not to go to a division is hedging, isn’t it?  Is that strong?

John.  To make the speech at all, Maggie, is stronger than most would dare.  They would do for me if I went to a division.

Maggie.  Bark but not bite?

John.  Now, now, Maggie, you’re out of your depth.

Maggie.  I suppose that’s it.

[The Comtesse remains in the shallows.]

Comtesse.  But what will the ladies say, Mr. Shand?

John.  They won’t like it, Comtesse, but they’ve got to lump it.

[Here the maid appears with a card for Maggie, who considers it quietly.]

John.  Any one of importance?

Maggie.  No.

John.  Then I’m ready, Maggie.

[This is evidently an intimation that she is to open the folding-doors, and he makes an effective entrance into the dining-room, his thumb in his waistcoat.  There is a delicious clapping of hands from the committee, and the door closes.  Not till then does Maggie, who has grown thoughtful, tell her maid to admit the visitor.]

Comtesse.  Another lady, Mrs. Shand?

Maggie.  The card says ‘Mr. Charles Venables.’

[The Comtesse is really interested at last.]

Comtesse.  Charles Venables!  Do you know him?

Maggie.  I think I call to mind meeting one of that name at the
Foreign Office party.

Comtesse.  One of that name!  He who is a Minister of your Cabinet.  But as you know him so little why should he call on you?

Maggie.  I wonder.

[MAGGIE’s glance wanders to the drawer in which she has replaced JOHN’s speech.]