I resigned the chairmanship
of the Liberal Association and shook the dust of party politics from
my feet before he was Prime Minister in the Coalition. Of course, he
dropped me like a hot potato.
CONRAD. Well, now that the Coalition has chucked him out, and he is only
one of the half-dozen leaders of the Opposition, perhaps he wants to
pick you up again.
THE PARLOR MAID [_warningly_] He is holding the line, sir.
FRANKLYN. Yes: all right [_he hurries out_].
_The parlor maid goes to the hearthrug to make up the fire. Conrad
rises and strolls to the middle of the room, where he stops and looks
quizzically down at her._
CONRAD. So you have only one life to live, eh?
THE PARLOR MAID [_dropping on her knees in consternation_] I meant no
offence, sir.
CONRAD. You didn't give any. But you know you could live a devil of a
long life if you really wanted to.
THE PARLOR MAID [_sitting down on her heels_] Oh, dont say that, sir.
It's so unsettling.
CONRAD. Why? Have you been thinking about it?
THE PARLOR MAID. It would never have come into my head if you hadnt put
it there, sir.
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