MILDRED. When mother was alive, Woman Suffrage was not so prominent. Of course, there were societies and clubs but they were composed more of professional women, doctors, and lawyers. Society women had not taken it up and I don’t suppose mother ever thought anything about the subject.
MR. MELVIN. Wise woman. That is the best way to treat it. You would be much happier if you didn’t think anything about it.
MILDRED. But those poor girls, they have to struggle so hard to get a living. I must help them.
MR. MELVIN. Helping them is a different proposition, but would the vote help them so much at present?
MILDRED. It is a great power.
MR. MELVIN. So great a power that if your girls had the vote, there are plenty of people who would try to control it for them. Try to improve the ideals of your girls, in dress and in way of living. Try to bring about an improvement in the conditions of their work, but don’t mix them up in politics. Not just yet anyway.
MILDRED. Mrs. Thom says it is the only way.
MR. MELVIN. Who is Mrs. Thom?
MILDRED. She is one of our greatest leaders.