'Easily! But the mere fact that four hundred and twenty members have been worried into promising support—and then, once in the House, have let the matter severely alone——'
'Let it alone?' Lord John burst out again. 'I should think so indeed!'
'Yes,' laughed Stonor, 'only it's a device that's somewhat worn.'
'Still,' Lord John put on a Macchiavellian air that sat rather incongruously on his honest English face, 'Still, if they think they're getting a future Cabinet Minister on their side——'
'It will be sufficiently embarrassing for the Cabinet Minister.'
Stonor caught sight of Farnborough approaching and lowered his voice. He leaned his elbow on the end of the wide mantelpiece and gave his attention exclusively to Lord John, seeming to ignore even the pretty girl who still stood by her uncle with a hand slipped through his arm.
'Nobody says much about it,' Stonor went on, 'but it's realized that the last Labour member, and that Colne Valley Socialist—those men got in largely through the tireless activity of the women.'
'The Suffragettes!' exclaimed the girl, 'they were able to do that?'
'They're always saying they don't favour any party,' said a voice.