F:
I had a feeling it might be you.
M:
I'm sorry to disturb you at home, but I'd be very grateful if you gave me a few minutes before we go to press.
F:
Not on the telephone, you can come here if you like.
I'd prefer it if you didn't tell your colleagues where you're going.
M:
I'll see you in 10 minutes.
M:
He can't survive this can he?
F:
I should be spending the next few days rallying all the support for the prime minister that I can get off the record Mattie.
It's not going to be easy.
M:
Do you think he tipped his brother off about those shares.
F:
I find it impossible to believe that Henry Collingridge could do a thing like that.
I've always considered him a totally honorable man.
M:
But
F:
But Mattie?
M:
Not quite up to his job.
F:
You might very well think that.
You know I couldn't possibly comment
M:
I really like talking to you
F:
Of course you do. You love trying to tempt me into indiscretion.
M:
I know it's more than that with Samuels honor I get the party line you talk to me like intelligent human being.
F:
I like talking to you, I'm interested in you.
You find out strange?
M:
I find it very flattering, because I happen to think you're by far the ablest man in this goverment.
F:
Oh no no no You're too kind Mattie.
M:
I think you underestimate yourself and that's a shame.
F:
Underestimate myself?
And what way?
M:
You underestimate your ability and your capacity for power I think and I think you underestimate your personal attractiveness
F:
Now that is absurd Mattie. You can't expect me to fall for that I'm old enough to be your father
M:
Perhaps that's something to do with it.
F:
Oddly enough, I always wanted a daughter my wife and I have no children.
Not a very unusual interview this has turned out to be.
M:
Perhaps we should no I must just say this you mustn't underestimate your abilities really you know you could go much further than you have done, don't you?
F:
You think so?
M:
If you put your mind to it, I think you could achive anything you wanted
F:
You might think that, mattie
I'm afraid I couldn't possibly comment
M:
My editor wants me to find out about frontrunners in the race for the succession
F:
Ah, I'm sure you could tell me who they are
M:
Michael Samuels, Patrick Walton, Harold Earl, Peter Mackenzy
F:
Very good Mattie
M:
You know you could run rings around any of them
F:
Do I? You are not trying to tempt me, are you?
M:
Yes, I think I am. You're the only senior politician I have any respect for.
If I do anything I could do to help you.
F:
Would you mattie
M:
I think you know that I think you know I'd like to do anything you asked me to
F:
Hardly the words of an independent young woman Mattie