"No," Mrs. Tweedie replied, sharply. She was displeased with him because of his untidy appearance, and wished him to leave at once. He did so, making some senseless remark about the weather as he crossed the room on his way out.
"Now for goodness' sake let's begin," said Mrs. Stout when the window was open and the incident closed.
"Yes, do," echoed Mrs. Flint.
"Well," Mrs. Tweedie began, "I have been reading recently a treatise on parliamentary procedure, and if I am not in error the selection of a presiding officer should be our first business. Am I not right, Miss Sawyer?"
"Yes," replied Miss Sawyer. "And I do hope that you will be our first president, Mrs. Tweedie."
"Oh, but I am not competent," Mrs. Tweedie protested, modestly.
"Never mind," said Mrs. Stout, "take the place, we'll never get anything done if you don't."
"But, really—" Mrs. Tweedie insisted upon weakly resisting.
"You, Mrs. Tweedie, above all others," interposed Mrs. Flint, "are the best qualified to lead us."
Mrs. Tweedie appeared to be resigned to her fate.