Mrs. Akers: But this isn’t an official meeting, is it? We’ve had no notes taken, or anything. And we haven’t passed any resolution. Now, I should like to propose that I write to-night to St. Mary Magdalene’s Home and try and arrange to get Fanny taken in there as soon as possible, and kept till after the birth of the child.
Mrs. Ballantyne: I second that.
Mrs. Lloyd-Evans: Proposed and seconded. Those in favour—(they each lift up a hand). Those against.... Carried unanimously, I think.
Mrs. Akers: Now, is there anything more we can do?
Mrs. Lloyd-Evans: I don’t think so. If there are any further developments, I will let you know, of course. I mean, if one can get any admission out of the girl, for instance. She seemed to me perfectly stolid and bewildered, but one doesn’t want to risk upsetting her, naturally. It would be extremely annoying if anything happened before we can get her away.
Mrs. Ballantyne: What did they say about her health? Is she all right?
Mrs. Lloyd-Evans: Perfectly all right. Why shouldn’t she be—a young, healthy girl like that!
Mrs. Akers: After all, it’s nature.
Mrs. Lloyd-Evans: I don’t call it nature at all, at fifteen. I call it sin. (Rises, and goes to put on her coat. The other two remain seated.)
Mrs. Ballantyne (shuddering): Fifteen! Just think of it! My Phyllis is only two years older. Thank heaven, I’ve been able to keep her as innocent as a baby. She knows nothing—absolutely nothing.