"Oh, yes," Cicily made decision, with a smile of gratitude for her aunt. She nodded brightly toward the three candidates, and addressed them in her most winning voice.
"Mrs. McMahon, will you and Mrs. Schmidt and Miss Ferguson kindly await the club's action in the next room?" She indicated the curtained archway that led into the withdrawing-room at the back.
"Certainly, ma'am," the Irishwoman answered, with a rough haughtiness all her own. She heaved herself up from the gilt chair, which seemed to creak a sigh of relief; and the trio went out in the midst of a deep silence.
Their departure set free a babel of chatter, a great part of it addressed in personal remonstrance to the presiding officer. Cicily lost patience, and called out sharply, with the authority of her office:
"Any member addressing the chair will please follow the usual parliamentary procedure!"
Mrs. Carrington was the first to take advantage of the formal method. Sitting elegantly in her place, she spoke:
"Madam Chairman, I rise to a point of order."
"Very well, then, Mrs. Carrington," Cicily rejoined, with her most official manner, "please rise."
The outraged member bounced to her feet with an alacrity that was not her habit. It was evident that the lady was angry.