“Is,” continued Mr. Todd, “that we have got to keep this—this—er—”
“Strike,” prompted the same voice.
Mr. Todd paused, and, wiping his mouth with a red pocket-handkerchief, sat staring straight before him.
“I move,” said Mrs. Evans, her sharp features twitching with excitement, “that Mrs. Gorman takes the chair.”
“’Ow can I take it when he’s sitting in it?” demanded that lady.
“She’s a lady that knows what she wants and how to get it,” pursued Mrs. Evans, unheeding. “She understands men—”
“I’ve buried two ’usbands,” murmured Mrs. Gorman, nodding.
“And how to manage them,” continued Mrs. Evans. “I move that Mrs. Gorman takes the chair. Those in favour—”
Mr. Todd, leaning back in his chair and gripping the arms, gazed defiantly at a row of palms.
“Carried unanimously!” snapped Mrs. Evans.