_Mr. G._ You tell her Mr. BENJAMIN GULCHER is 'ere, if she'll step down a minnit. She needn't _'urry_, yer know, if she's 'aving her dinner or cleanin' herself. (_To himself, as the_ Butler _departs noiselessly._) Civil-spoken party that--one o' the lodgers, seemin'ly. Roomy sort o' crib this 'ere. Wonder what they pay a week for it! _Butler_ (_returning_). Her Ladyship will see you, if you will step this way. [_Mr. G. is taken up a staircase, and ushered into the presence of Lady NASEBY, who is seated at her writing-table._ _Lady N._ (_still writing_). One moment, please. My husband is out just now--but if you will kindly state the nature of your business with him, I daresay I could--(_She looks up._) Good Heavens! What could have possessed CLARKSON to show such a person as that in _here_! (_To herself._) _Mr. G._ (_in his most ingratiating manner_). Well, Mum, in the absence of his Lordship, I am sure you'll prove a 'ighly agreerble substitoot! _Lady N._ (_freezingly_). May I ask you to tell me--in two words--what it is you wish to see him about. _Mr. G._ _Certingly_ you may, Mum! It's like this 'ere. I want your good Gentleman to promise me his vote and influence for Mr. JOE QUELCH, as we're runnin' for a Labour Candidate this Election. _Lady N._ I really cannot answer for my husband's views on political matters, Mr.--a--SQUELCHER; I make it a rule _never_ to interfere. _Mr. G._ Jest what _my_ old woman sez. I've learnt her not to argy with _me_ on politics. But, yer see, a deal depends on the way a thing is _done_, and--(_insinuatingly_)--a good-lookin' woman liks yourself--(Lady N. _gasps out a faint little "Oh!" here_)--oh, I'm on'y tellin' yer what yer know already--'ud find it easy enough to get her better 'alf to vote _her_ way, if she chooses. You take him some evenin'--say a Saturday, now--when he's jest 'ad enough to feel 'appy, and coax him into giving his vote to QUELCH. _You_ know 'ow to do it! And he's the _right_ man, mind yer, QUELCH is--the right _man_! _Lady N._ (_almost inaudibly_). How--how _dare_ you come into my house, and offer me this impertinent advice! How--? _Mr. G._ (_good-temperedly_). Easy there, Lady--no impertinence intended, I'm sure. I shouldn't come in 'ere, intrudin' on the sacred privacy of the British 'Ome, which I'm quite aware an Englishman's 'Ouse is his Castle--and rightly so--if I didn't feel privileged like. I'm _canvassing_, I am! _Lady N._ You are taking a most unpardonable liberty, and, if you have the _slightest_ sense of decency-- _Mr. G._ (_imploringly_). Now look 'ere--don't let us 'ave a vulgar _row_ over this! I ain't goin' to lose _my_ temper. Strike--but 'ear me! If we don't think alike, there's no reason why you and me should fall out. I put that to _you_. It's likely enough you don't _know_ JOE QUELCH? _Lady N._ (_with temper_). I never heard of the man in my life!