Miss L. I'm told it's an exploded notion that the Suffrage women are all dowdy and dull.
Great. Don't you believe it!
Miss L. Well, of course we know you've been an authority on the subject for—let's see, how many years is it you've kept the House in roars whenever Woman's Rights are mentioned?
Great. (flattered but not entirely comfortable). Oh, as long as I've known anything about politics there have been a few discontented old maids and hungry widows——
Miss L. "A few!" That's really rather forbearing of you, Mr. Greatorex. I'm afraid the number of the discontented and the hungry was 96,000—among the mill operatives alone. (Hastily.) At least the papers said so, didn't they?
Great. Oh, don't ask me; that kind of woman doesn't interest me, I'm afraid. Only I am able to point out to the people who lose their heads and seem inclined to treat the phenomenon seriously that there's absolutely nothing new in it. There have been women for the last forty years who haven't had anything more pressing to do than petition Parliament.
Miss L. (reflectively). And that's as far as they've got.
Lord J. (turning on his heel). It's as far as they'll ever get.
(Meets the group up R. coming down.)
Miss L. (chaffing Greatorex). Let me see, wasn't a deputation sent to you not long ago? (Sits C.)