[Talking about his promotion] The relationship which I might tentatively venture to aver has been not without some degree of reciprocal utility and perhaps even occasional gratification, is approaching a point of irreversible bifurcation and, to be brief, is in the propinquity of its ultimate regrettable termination.
... I see.
I'm... on my way out.
What?
There comes a time when one has to accept what fate has in store. When one passes on.
[horrified] Passes on!?
To pastures new, perhaps greener, and places oneself finally in the service of one who is greater than any of us.
Humphrey... I'm so sorry.
Oh, thank you, Minister.
Does Lady Appleby know?
Well, she's suspected it for some time, apparently.
When did they tell you?
This afternoon.
How long did they give you?
Oh, just a few weeks...
[horrified] A few weeks!?
Well, it'll give me enough time to sort everything out.
[his eyes filling with tears] Oh Humphrey, you're so terribly brave.
Well, one is a little anxious of course. One is always rather wary of the unknown, but I have faith somehow I'll muddle through.
[Hacker takes his handkerchief out of his pocket and begins to cry into it]
Minister, what is the matter?
I am sorry, Humphrey. Just, well we had our ups and downs.
Oh Minister, do not take on so. We will still be seeing one another regularly. Yes, once a week at least.
[Hacker looks up, aghast]
What??
I have not told you where I am going yet. I have been appointed Secretary to the Cabinet.
Secretary to the Cabinet?
What did you think I meant?
I thought, I..., I....
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