"But," Cicily objected, "there are no minutes."
Mrs. Carrington did not trouble to rise for her retort:
"I don't see what that has to do with the question at issue."
"Oh, very well, then," Cicily rejoined, with one of those flashes of inspiration that were of such service to her as a presiding officer, "you read them yourself, Mrs. Carrington." At this happy suggestion, Mrs. Carrington uttered an ejaculation, but vouchsafed nothing more precise. Cicily waited for a few seconds, then continued gaily: "Now that the minutes are read, the specific business before the house is the consideration of new members. All working clubs to be successful must take in constantly virile, live members."
Mrs. Morton, who had by no means forgotten her conversation with Mrs. McMahon and cherished a distinct grudge against that excellent woman, voiced a caution:
"But, Mrs. Hamilton," she objected, "due care should be exercised in the selection."
"The club cannot be too careful," Mrs. Carrington agreed.
Mrs. McMahon was fuming in her chair, evidently on the edge of an outbreak. Mrs. Delancy saved the situation by prompt action.
"I think," she said, rising, "that, if new members are to be voted on, they should not be present in the meeting during the discussion."