"'That being so,' I went on, 'you will agree that our first duty, as we are chivalrous men, is to restore her to her relatives.'
"'B'all means,' he agreed heartily. 'R'shtore her. Why not?'
"'As it happens, she has a sister living in Pimlico.'
"'They all—' he began: but I was on the watch and fielded the ball smartly.
"'And you, unless I'm mistaken,' said I, 'are a member of the National Liberal Club?'
"'We all—' he began again, and checked himself to gaze on me with admiration. 'Shay that again,' he demanded. "'You are a member of the National Liberal Club?' I repeated.
"'I am,' he owned; 'but I couldn' pr'nounce it just at this moment, not for a tenner. An' you've said it twice! Tha's what I call carryin' liquor like a gentleman: or else you've studied voice-producsh'n. Wish I'd studied voice-producsh'n, your age. Usheful, County Council.'
"'County Council!' put in the lady sharply. 'Don't tell me!'
"'He's but a candidate at present, ma'am,' I explained.
"She eyed us both suspiciously. 'No kid, is it?' she asked. 'You ain't a dress-clothes detective? What?… Then, as between a lady and a gentleman, why haven't you introduced him? It's usual.'