VOICE. Wet's this? Throwin' things? Mind aht, or we'll smash yer winders! [As the voices in chorus chant: "Bread! Bread!" LITTLE ANNE, night-gowned, darts in from the hall. She is followed by MISS STOKES. They stand listening.] LORD W. [To the Crowd] My friends, you've come to the wrong shop. There's nobody in London more sympathetic with you. [The crowd laughs hoarsely.] [Whispering] Look out, old girl; they can see your shoulders. [LORD WILLIAM moves back a step.] If I were a speaker, I could make you feel---- VOICE. Look at his white weskit! Blood-suckers--fattened on the people! [JAMES dives his hand at the wine cooler.] LORD W. I've always said the Government ought to take immediate steps---- VOICE. To shoot us dahn. LORD W. Not a bit. To relieve the--er---- LADY W. [Prompting] Distress. LADY W. Distress, and ensure--er--ensure LADY W. [Prompting] Quiet. LORD W. [To her] No, no. To ensure--ensure---- L. ANNE. [Agonized] Oh, Daddy! VOICE. 'E wants to syve 'is dirty great 'ouse. LORD W. [Roused] D----if I do! [Rude and hoarse laughter from the crowd.] JAMES. [With fury] Me Lord, let me blow 'em to glory! [He raises the cooler and advances towards the window.] LORD W. [Turning sharply on him] Drop it, James; drop it! PRESS. [Jumping] No, no; don't drop it! [JAMES retires crestfallen to the table, where he replaces the cooler.] LORD W. [Catching hold of his bit] Look here, I must have fought alongside some of you fellows in the war. Weren't we jolly well like brothers? A VOICE. Not so much bloomin' "Kamerad"; hand over yer 'Ouse. LORD W. I was born with this beastly great house, and money, and goodness knows what other entanglements--a wife and family---- VOICE. Born with a wife and family! [Jeers and laughter.] LORD W. I feel we're all in the same boat, and I want to pull my weight. If you can show me the way, I'll take it fast enough. A DEEP VOICE. Step dahn then, an' we'll step up. ANOTHER VOICE. 'Ear, 'Ear! [A fierce little cheer.] LORD W. [To LADY WILLIAM--in despair] By George! I can't get in anywhere! LADY W. [Calmly] Then shut the window, Bill. LEMMY. [Who has been moving towards them slowly] Lemme sy a word to 'em. [All stare at him. LEMMY approaches the window, followed by LITTLE AIDA. POULDER re-enters with the three other footmen.] [At the window] Cheerio! Cockies! [The silence of surprise falls on the crowd.] I'm one of yer. Gas an' water I am. Got more grievances an' out of employment than any of yer. I want to see their blood flow, syme as you. PRESS. [writing] "Born orator--ready cockney wit--saves situation."