You've done this before.
GLADSTONE. This time it has been done for me. My own say in the matter has
been merely to acquiesce.
MRS. G. Ah! so you say! And others--others may say it for you; but--
GLADSTONE. Anno Domini says it, my dear.
MRS. G. Anno Domini has been saying it for the last twenty years. Much
heed you paid to Anno Domini.
GLADSTONE. You never lent it the weight of your counsels, my own love--
till now.
MRS. G. I know, William, when talking is useless.
GLADSTONE. Ah! I wonder--if I do.
MRS. G. No; that's why I complain. Twenty years ago you said you were
going to retire from politics and take up theology again--that you were
old, and had come to an end. Why, you were only just beginning! And it
will always be the same; any day something may happen--more Bulgarian
atrocities, or a proposal for Welsh disestablishment. Then you'll break
out again!
GLADSTONE. But I am in favour of Welsh disestablishment, my dear--when it
comes.
MRS. G. Are you? Oh, yes; I forgot. You are in favour of so many things
you didn't used to be. Well, then, it will be something else. You will
always find an excuse; I shall never feel safe about you.
GLADSTONE (_in moved tone_). And if you could feel safe about me--
what then?
MRS. G. Oh, my dear, my dear, if I could! Always I've seen you neglecting
yourself--always putting aside your real interests--the things that you
most inwardly cared about, the things which you always meant to do when
you "had time.
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