There was a low sound of impatience from the person at the writing-table, and a rustle of paper as the plan was thrown down.
'What's the matter?' said Mrs. Freddy.
'"Winning over the men" has been the woman's way since the Creation. Do you think the result should make us proud of our policy? Yes? Then go and walk in Piccadilly at midnight.'
Lady John and Mrs. Heriot rose as one, while Miss Levering was adding—
'No, I forgot——'
'Yes,' interposed Mrs. Heriot, with majesty, 'it is not the first time you've forgotten.'
'What I forgot was the magistrate's ruling. He said no decent woman had any business to be in London's main thoroughfares at night "unless she has a man with her." You can hear that in Soho, too. "You're obliged to take up with a chap!" is what the women say.'
In a highly significant silence, Mrs. Heriot withdrew with her niece and Mrs. Freddy to where Hermione sat contentedly between two young men on the window-step. Lady John, naturally somewhat ruffled, but still quite kind, bent over her indiscreet guest to say—
'What an odd mood you are in to-day, my dear. I think Lydia Heriot's right. We oughtn't to do anything, or say anything to encourage this ferment of feminism—and I'll tell you why: it's likely to bring a very terrible thing in its train.'