Ernestine shook her head.
'Why, she's making a first-rate speech!' said Vida, astonished.
'There's nobody here who will care about it.'
'Why do you say that?'
'Oh, all she's saying is a commonplace to these people. Lead-poisoning was new, to them—something they could take hold of.'
'Well, I stick to it, you've got a good ally in this woman. Let her stand up in Somerset Hall, and tell the people——'
'It wouldn't do,' said the young Daniel, firmly.
'You don't believe her story?'
'Oh, I don't say the things aren't true. But'—she moved uneasily—'the subject's too prickly.'