“That’s what I like about London, there always is a public-house round the corner.”
“Ma, do mind what you’re saying.”
Mrs. Railing did not like these frequent interruptions, and was about to make a somewhat heated rejoinder, when Lord Spratte joined in the conversation.
“I quite agree with Mrs. Railing, I think it’s most convenient.”
“Oh, do you?” said Louise, aggressively. “And may I ask if you have ever studied the teetotal question?”
“Not I!”
“And you’re a hereditary legislator,” she answered, looking him up and down with disdain. She fixed the peer with an argumentative eye. “I should just like to have a few words with you about the House of Lords. I’m a Radical and a Home Ruler. The House of Lords must go.”
“Bless you, I’ll part from it without a tear.”
“Now, what I want to know is what moral right have you to rule over me?”
“My dear lady, if I rule over you it is entirely unawares,” replied Lord Spratte, in the most deprecating way.