'Chalk! What did she want with——?'
Borrodaile, too, leaned nearer.
'She saw me beginning to write meeting notices on the stones. Of course, the people stopped and stared and laughed. But she, instead of getting shy, and pretending she hadn't anything to do with me, she took the chalk and wrote, "Votes for Women!" all over the pavement of Finsbury Circus.' Ernestine paused a moment that Miss Levering might applaud the new 'helper.' 'I thought that a very good sign in such a respectable person.'
'Oh, yes; a most encouraging sign. Is it the one in mauve who did that?'
'No, that's—I forget her name—oh, Mrs. Thomas. She's new, too. I'll have to let her speak if you won't,' she said, a trifle anxiously.
'Mrs. Thomas, by all means,' murmured Borrodaile, as Ernestine, seeing her plea was hopeless, turned away.
Vida caught her by the coat. 'Where are the others? The rest of your good speakers?'
'Scattered up and down. Getting ready for the General Election. That's why we have to break in new people. Oh, she sent me some notes, that girl did. I must give them back to her.'
Ernestine stooped and opened the portfolio on Miss Levering's lap. She rummaged through the bulging pockets.