Trent. Well, why shouldn't a man-hater on your side prove equally open to reason?
Miss L. That part of the question doesn't concern me. I've come to a place where I realise that the first battles of this new campaign must be fought by women alone. The only effective help men could give—amendment of the law—they refuse. The rest is nothing.
Lady John. Don't be ungrateful, Vida. Here's Mr. Trent ready to face criticism in publicly championing you.
Miss L. It's an illusion that I as an individual need Mr. Trent. I am quite safe in the crowd. Please don't wait for me, and don't come for me again.
Trent (flushes). Of course if you'd rather——
Miss L. And that reminds me. I was asked to thank you and to tell you, too, that they—the women of the Union—they won't need your chairmanship any more—though that, I beg you to believe, has nothing to do with any feeling of mine.
Trent (hurt). Of course, I know there must be other men ready—better known men——
Miss L. It isn't that. It's simply that they find a man can't keep a rowdy meeting in order as well as a woman.
(He stares.)
Lady John. You aren't serious?