He had thought over this interview all the way up on the train, thought it out on very different lines.
"Nothing, I suppose," he admitted, "yet there's a certain risk about dropping me, isn't there?
You might drive me into the arms of the enemy." "What, the old Whig lot?
Not a chance! I know you too well for that." "No, the Democrats." Horlock moved restlessly in his chair.

He was eyeing his visitor steadfastly.
"What, the people who have just voted solidly against you ?" "Hasn't it occurred to you that that might have been political strategy ?" Tallente suggested.

"They might have maneuvered for the very situation which has arisen--that is, if I am really worth anything to anybody." Horlock shook his head.
"Oil and water won't mix, Tallente, and you don't belong to that crowd.
All the same," he confessed, "I shouldn't like you with them.

I cannot believe that such a thing would ever come to pass, but the thought isn't a pleasant one." "Now that you have made up your mind that I don't want to go to the House of Lords and wouldn't under any possible consideration," Tallente asked, "have you anything else to suggest ?" Mr.Horlock was a little annoyed.

He considered that he had shown remarkable patience with a somewhat troublesome visitor.
"Tallente," he said, "it is of no use your being unreasonable.