Ned (_stopping him_). Not you, Peter. You've earned a rest to-night. You begin to-morrow.
Peter. Rest! I shan't rest till after the election.
Jones. You've to keep your strength for the street corners. We'll do the donkey work. Clerking's all some of us are fit for. (_Glancing at O'Callagan._) You can draft your election address if you want something to do.
Ned. You'll want every ounce of strength. Ramsden's done us a good turn by resigning in the summer time. They can have every hall in the town and welcome. But open-air speaking night after night--well, look to your lungs. We'll watch the rest.
Ned. That's right. Take it easy now. You'll have to sprint at the finish. Now, comrades. (_Opening door, centre._)
[_Peter holds door open and sees them go, he, Margaret, and Mrs. Garside chorussing "Good night," then he closes the door, and leans against it as if dazed, passing his hand across his forehead._
Peter. My God! It's like a dream. I can't get used to it.
Mrs. G. You'll get used to it fast enough. It's always an easy thing to take your natural state in life. You were born to be great. (_Viciously._) However much some folk _'_ud like to keep you down.
Peter. Yes. I suppose I shall settle to it. (_Coming to chair right and sitting, Mrs. Garside is to his left, Margaret his right._) In a few days it _'_ull seem matter of fact enough to be Labour candidate for the division. But it hasn't got me that way yet. Margaret, when you set me on to study for my B.A., you little thought it was going to lead to this.
Mar. (_slowly_). No. I didn't think it would lead to this.
Mrs. G. (_sharply_). And you're not well pleased it has. Some people can't stand the sight of other folk's success.
Peter (_protesting_). Mother, mother, without Margaret this would never have happened to me. I owe it all to her.
Mrs. G. (_sceptically_). Because she told you to study? It's a proper easy job to tell someone else to do a thing. A fine lot easier than doing it yourself.
Peter. Come, mother, I can't have you quarrelling with Margaret.
Mrs. G. (_sulkily_). What does she want to go and discourage you for?
Peter. She will now. Won't you, Margaret?
Peter (_relieved_). Ah! You couldn't wish me anything but well. You see, mother?