MR. BECKER. I wonder your father allows it. You might better be at home, darning his stockings.
MRS. BROWN. You are not in favor of Woman’s Suffrage I take it, Mr. Becker.
MR. BECKER. No, indeed, I believe that the home is the best place for women. The rough outside world is not suitable for them. When I see you women crying for the ballot like a baby crying for the moon, I think it would do you just as much good if you got it. You might better be at home taking care of your children if you have any. I dislike to see women trying to turn themselves into men. They should be shielded and protected from all the disagreeable things in the world.
MILDRED. Sometimes men do not protect them, Mr. Becker, but take advantage of them instead.
MR. VAN TOUSEL. Ah, Miss Mildred, that was a wonderful speech you made this afternoon. Your speaking of men’s taking advantage of women reminds me of the poor countess you told about.
MR. BECKER. What countess was that, Miss Tilsbury? Tell me about her and you will see how much pleasanter it is to speak before a sympathetic audience of one in a charming drawing-room than before a hooting crowd in a bare, badly-ventilated political hall.
MILDRED. There was no hooting this afternoon. There was some applause, but that was rather nice.
MR. BECKER. I will applaud if you will tell me the story.
MILDRED. But Mr. Van Tousel has already heard it.