'Is she Mrs. or Miss?'
'She's dumb, anyway, like 'e said.'
'Haw! haw!'
The anxious chairman was fidgeting in an agony of apprehension. He whispered some kind prompting word after he had flung out—
'Now, see here, men; fair play, you know.'
'I think I ought——' Vida began.
'No wonder she can't find a word to say for 'em. They're a disgryce, miss—them women behind you. It's the w'y they goes on as mykes the Govermint keep ye from gettin' yer rights.'
The chairman had lost his temper. 'It's the way you go on,' he screamed; but the din was now so great, not even he could be heard. He stood there waving his arms and moving his lips while his dark eyes glittered.
Miss Levering turned and pantomimed to Ernestine, 'You see it's no use!'