Skepsey waited for Mr. Fenellan to notice him.
‘How about the Schools for Boxing?’ that gentleman said.
Deploring in motion the announcement he had to make, Skepsey replied: ‘I have a difficulty in getting the plan treated seriously: a person of no station:—it does not appear of national importance. Ladies are against. They decline their signatures; and ladies have great influence; because of the blood; which we know is very slight, rather healthy than not; and it could be proved for the advantage of the frailer sex. They seem to be unaware of their own interests—ladies. The contention all around us is with ignorance. My plan is written; I have shown it, and signatures of gentlemen, to many of our City notables favourable in most cases: gentlemen of the Stock Exchange highly. The clergy and the medical profession are quite with me.’
‘The surgical, perhaps you mean?’
‘Also, sir. The clergy strongly.’
‘On the grounds of—what, Skepsey?’
‘Morality. I have fully explained to them:—after his work at the desk all day, the young City clerk wants refreshment. He needs it, must have it. I propose to catch him on his way to his music-halls and other places, and take him to one of our establishments. A short term of instruction, and he would find a pleasure in the gloves; it would delight him more than excesses-beer and tobacco. The female in her right place, certainly.’ Skepsey supplicated honest interpretation of his hearer, and pursued,
‘It would improve his physical strength, at the same time add to his sense of personal dignity.’
‘Would you teach females as well—to divert them from their frivolities?’
‘That would have to be thought over, sir. It would be better for them than using their nails.’