human
You refer to the Democrats?
gpt
Naturally.
human
Do I understand you to attribute your defeat, then, to the tactics of the Democratic Party?
gpt
It is no question of supposition, Tallente replied.
human
It is a certainty.
gpt
You believe that they have a greater hold upon the country than we imagine, then?
human
I am sure of it, was the confident answer.
gpt
They occupy a position no other political party has aimed at occupying in the history of this country. They aid and support themselves by means of direct and logical propaganda, carried to the very heart and understanding of their possible supporters. Their methods are absolutely unique and personally I am convinced that it is their destiny to bring into one composite body what has been erroneously termed the Labour vote.
human
I am glad to hear your opinion, Tallente, he said.
gpt
I have to remember, however, that you are still smarting under a defeat inflicted by these people. What I cannot altogether understand is this: How was it that you were entirely deprived of their support at Hellesfield. You yourself are supposed to be practically a Socialist, at any rate from the point of view of the staider of my party. Yet these fellows down at Hellesfield preferred to support Bloxham, who twenty years ago would have been called a Tory.
human
I can quite understand your being puzzled at that, Tallente acknowledged.
gpt
I was myself at first. Since then I have received an explanation.
human
Well, well, Mr. Horlock interjected, with a return of his official genial manner,
gpt
A week ago I thought of going to Samoa, was the grim reply.
human
You don't want me, the country didn't seem to want me. I have worked for other people for thirty years. I rather thought of resting, living the life of a lotus eater for a time.
gpt
An extremist as ever, the Prime Minister remarked tolerantly.
human
Even a politician who has worked as hard as you have can find many pleasurable paths in life open to him in this country. However, the necessity for such an extreme course of action on your part is done away with. I am very pleased to be able to tell you that the affair concerning which I have been in communication with your secretary for the last two months has taken an unexpectedly favourable turn.
gpt
What the mischief do you mean?
human
I mean, Mr. Horlock announced, with a friendly smile,
gpt
What on earth are you talking about, sir?
human
Surely my statement was sufficiently explicit? he said, a little stiffly.
gpt
The peerage concerning which at first, I admit, I saw difficulties, is yours. You can, without doubt, be of great service to us in the Upper House and--
human
But I'd sooner turn shopkeeper! Tallente interrupted.
gpt
If I understand that it is your intention to offer me a peerage, let us have no misunderstanding about the matter. It is refused, absolutely and finally.