hairman was dreadfully flustered at the unfortunate turn his speech
had taken.

'A lady who, as I've said, will tell you, if you'll behave
yourselves----'

'Oh! oh!'

'Will tell you something of her impression of police-court justice in
this country.'

Jean stole a wondering look at Stonor's sphinx-like face as Vida
Levering came forward.

There she stood, obviously very much frightened, with the unaccustomed
colour coming and going in her white face--farther back than any of the
practised speakers--there she stood like one who too much values the
space between her and the mob voluntarily to lessen it by half an inch.
The voice was steady enough, though low, as she began.

'Mr. Chairman, men, and women----'

'Speak up.'

She flushed, came nearer to the edge of the platform, and raised the key
a little.

'I just wanted to tell you that I was--I was present in the police court
when the women were charged for creating a disturbance.'

'You oughtn't to get mix'd up in wot didn't concern you!'

'I--I----' She stumbled and stopped.

'Give the lady a hearing,' said a shabby art-student, magisterially. He
seemed not ill-pleased when he had drawn a certain number of eyes to his
long hair, picturesque hat, and flowing Byronic tie.

'Wot's the lydy's nyme?'

'I ain't seen this one before.'

'Is she Mrs. or Miss?'

'She's dumb, anyway, like 'e said.'

'Haw! haw!'

The anxious chairman was fidgeting in an agony of apprehension. He
whispered some kind prompting word after he had flung out--

'Now, see here, men; fair play, you know.'

'I think I ought----' Vida began.

'No wonder she can't find a word to say for 'em. They're a disgryce,
miss--them women behind you. It's the w'y they goes on as mykes the
Govermint keep ye from gettin' yer rights.'

The chairman had lost his temper. 'It's the way _you_ go on,' he
screamed; but the din was now so great, not even he could be heard. He
stood there waving his arms and moving his lips while his dark eyes
glittered.

Miss Levering turned and pantomimed to Ernestine, 'You see it's no use!'

Thus appealed to, the girl came forward, and said something in the ear
of the frantic chairman. When he stopped gyrating, and nodded, Miss
Blunt came to the edge of the platform, and held up her hand as if
determined to stem this tide of unfavourable comment upon the dreadful
women who were complicating the Election difficulties of both parties.

'Listen,' says Ernestine;