He emptied his glass of champagne, and asked,
"Which of your many 'We's,' Mrs. Puttock?"
"Why, the W.T.A.A."
"I won't affect ignorance—Women's—Total—Abstinence—Association."
"The enthusiasm this afternoon was enormous. Of course Mr. Puttock could not be there; but I told them I felt sure that with the new Ministry an era of real hope had dawned," and Mrs. Puttock looked inquiringly at the Premier, who was in his turn looking at the foaming wine that fell into his glass from Jackson's practised hand.
"A new era?" he answered. "Oh, well, you didn't get much out of Perry. What do you want of me?"
"We want to strengthen your hands in dealing drastically with the problem. Of course, it will be one of your first measures."
"We have at least six first measures already on the list," remarked the Premier, smiling.
"I saw your daughter to-day," Mrs. Puttock continued. "I went to ask her to join us."