The Master of Mrs Chilvers | Page 8

it has seemed to them that we were clamouring only for
selfish ends. They have not understood. We shall speak to them of
common purposes, use the language of fellow-citizens. They will see
that we are worthy of the place we claim. They will welcome us as
helpers in a common cause. They -
[She turns--the present comes back to her.]
LADY MOGTON [After a pause.] The business [she dwells severely
on the word] before the meeting -
ANNYS [She resents herself meekly. Apologising generally.] I must
learn to control myself.
LADY MOGTON [Who has waited.]--is McCaw versus Potts. Its
bearing upon the movement for the extension of the franchise to
women. My own view I venture to submit in the form of a resolution.
[She takes up a paper on which she has been writing.] As follows: That
the Council of the Woman's Parliamentary Franchise League, having
regard to the decision of the House of Lords in McCaw v. Potts -
ST. HERBERT [Looking over.] Two t's.
LADY MOGTON --resolves to bring forward a woman candidate to
contest the next bye-election. [Suddenly to MRS. MOUNTCALM-
VILLIERS, who is chattering.] Do you agree or disagree?
MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS My dear! How can you ask? Of
course we all agree. [To Elizabeth.] You agree, don't you?
ELIZABETH Of course, even if elected, she would not be allowed to
take her seat.
PHOEBE How do you know? Nothing more full of surprises than

English law.
LADY MOGTON At the present stage I regard that point as immaterial.
What I am thinking of is the advertisement. A female candidate upon
the platform will concentrate the whole attention of the country on our
movement.
ST. HERBERT It might even be prudent--until you have got the vote-
-to keep it dark that you will soon be proceeding to the next inevitable
step.
ELIZABETH You think even man could be so easily deceived!
ST. HERBERT Man has had so much practice in being deceived. It
comes naturally to him.
ELIZABETH Poor devil!
LADY MOGTON The only question remaining to be discussed is the
candidate.
ANNYS Is there not danger that between now and the next bye-
election the Government may, having regard to this case, bring in a bill
to stop women candidates from going to the poll?
ST. HERBERT I have thought of that. Fortunately, the case seems to
have attracted very little attention. If a bye-election occurred soon there
would hardly be time.
LADY MOGTON It must be the very next one that does
occur--wherever it is.
JANET I am sure that in the East End we should have a chance.
PHOEBE Great Scott! Just think. If we were to win it!
ST. HERBERT If you could get a straight fight against a Liberal I
believe you would.

ANNYS Why is the Government so unpopular?
ST. HERBERT Well, take the weather alone--twelve degrees of frost
again last night.
JANET In St. George's Road the sewer has burst. The water is in the
rooms where the children are sleeping. [She clenches her hands.]
MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS [She shakes her head.] Something
ought really to be done.
LADY MOGTON Has anybody any suggestion to make?--as regards
the candidate. There's no advantage in going outside. It will have to be
one of ourselves.
MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS Won't you, dear?
LADY MOGTON I shall be better employed organising. My own
feeling is that it ought to be Annys. [To ST. HERBERT.] What do you
think?
ST. HERBERT Undoubtedly.
ANNYS I'd rather not.
LADY MOGTON It's not a question of liking. It's a question of duty.
For this occasion we shall be appealing to the male voter. Our
candidate must be a woman popular with men. The choice is somewhat
limited.
ELIZABETH No one will put up so good a fight as you.
ANNYS Will you give me till this evening?
LADY MOGTON What for?
ANNYS I should like to consult Geoffrey.
LADY MOGTON You think he would object?

ANNYS [A little doubtfully.] No. But we have always talked
everything over together.
LADY MOGTON Absurd! He's one of our staunchest supporters. Of
course he'll be delighted.
ELIZABETH I think the thing ought to be settled at once.
LADY MOGTON It must be. I have to return to Manchester to-night.
We shall have to get to work immediately.
ST. HERBERT Geoffrey will surely take it as a compliment.
JANET Don't you feel that woman, all over the world, is calling to
you?
ANNYS It isn't that. I'm not trying to shirk it. I merely thought that if
there had been time--of course, if you really think -
LADY MOGTON You consent?
ANNYS Yes. If it's everybody's wish.
LADY MOGTON That's settled.
PHOEBE [She springs up, waving a handkerchief.] Chilvers for ever!
JANET [Rises.] God bless you!
MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS [Clapping her hands.] Now we
shan't be long!