_Helen._ Really, I think it is very unkind to say all these things before Lord Ferrol arrives. If you begin like this over the “cheerful and uninebriating teacup,” with a good dinner not far distant, what will you say when you have just dragged yourself out of bed to breakfast? _Dennis (fiercely)._ The talking point will be passed. We shall act! Bul-lud!!! _George (rising and setting teacup on tea-table)._ So let it be understood, if you girls give us the cold shoulder when his lordship arrives, we will not be responsible for the consequences. _Steven._ But don’t say we didn’t warn you. _Helen._ Well, you deserve to have the cold shoulder for talking to us so. _Rose._ Yes, just as if we had all turned tuft-hunters. _Mrs. W._ At least it shows modesty. The boys all take for granted they cannot stand up against the new-comer. _Rose._ Oh, Mrs. Wycherly, what nice, honest, guileless men you must have known when you were a girl! To think that _these_ should gain the reputation of modesty by their grumbling! _Helen._ Yes, dear, they are delusions and snares, having fully mastered Talleyrand’s aphorism “that words were meant to conceal ideas.” _Amy._ “Put not your trust in kings and princes.” _George._ That’s just what we want, only please extend it to the aristocracy. _Rose._ You all deserve to have us leave you to your own devices, as soon as we can get a decent substitute. _Mrs. W._ Well, if Lord Ferrol is anything like his father, I can promise you no unworthy one, even compared to _my_ boys here. _Steven (crossing down stage to Mrs. W. and bowing)._ Mrs. Wycherly, the race does not improve. Why are the daughters no longer as their mothers were? _Helen._ } _Amy._ } Oh!!! _Rose._ } _Helen (springing to her feet)._ Mr. Chairman, or Mrs. Chairwoman, is not the honourable gentleman’s language unparliamentary? _Rose._ It’s uncomplimentary, and I believe that is what unparliamentary generally means. _Amy (rising)._ I move the expulsion of the honourable gentleman. _Helen (rising)._ Second the motion. _Omnes._ Question! Question! Question! _Mrs. W. (rising with mock solemnity and leaning on desk)._ Gentlemen, after the _most mature_ deliberation the speaker must announce three decisions. First, the language was not uncomplimentary, and— _Rose_ } } Bribery! _Helen_ } _together._ } Treachery, treachery! _Amy_ } } Oh! Oh! Oh!! _Mrs. W. (pounding on table with paper-knife)._ Order! Order!—And _ergo_, not unparliamentary. Secondly, that in consequence the motion of expulsion is not in order. Thirdly, even if it were in order, the question could not be taken without debate. _Rose._ I appeal to the House. _Dennis (rising)._ All right! Three to three. Speaker throws casting vote with us. How do you do—minority? [_Bows._