"I'll stay," he said, and sat down in his chair. "Thank you," said Elizabeth. "Now, Elvira.... Wait, mother, please." Miss Snowden sniffed once more. "Now that that important matter is settled I _suppose_ I may be allowed to go on," she observed, with sarcasm. "Very good, I will do so in spite of the presence of--of those not--ahem--intimately concerned. Mrs. Berry, on behalf of this committee here, a committee of the whole----" "No such thing," this from Mrs. Tidditt. "I'm part of the whole but I ain't part of that committee. Stick to the truth, Elviry--pays better." "Hush, Esther," begged Miss Berry. "Let her go on, please. Go on, Elvira." The head of the committee breathed fiercely through her thin nostrils. Then she made another attempt. "I address you, Mrs. Cordelia Berry," declaimed Elvira, "because you are supposed--I say _supposed_--to be officially the managing director--or directress, to speak correct--of this institution. Not," she added, hastily, "that it is an institution in any sense of the word--like a home or any such thing. We all know that, I hope and trust. Although," with a venomous glance in the direction of Mrs. Esther, "there appear to be _some_ that know precious little. I mention no names." "You don't need to," retorted the Tidditt lady promptly. "Never mind, I know enough not to vote to buy a lot of second-handed images and critters just because they belong to one of your relations. I know that much, Elviry Snowden." This was a body blow and Elvira visibly winced. For just an instant Captain Sears thought she was contemplating physical assault upon her enemy. But she recovered and, white and scornful, proceeded. "I shan't deign to answer such low--er--insinuations," she declared, her voice shaking. "I scorn them and her that makes them. I scorn them--both. _BOTH!_" This last "Both" was fired like a shot from a "Big Bertha." It should have annihilated the irreverent little female in the gingham gown. It did not, however; she merely laughed. The effect of the blast was still further impaired by Mrs. Chase, who although listening with all her ears, such as they were, had evidently heard neither well nor wisely. "That's right, Elviry," proclaimed Aurora, "that's just what I say. Why, the lion alone is worth the money." Mrs. Brackett touched the Snowden arm. "Never mind, Elvira," she said. "Don't pay any attention. Go right ahead and read the resolutions."