ST. HERBERT. Undoubtedly. ANNYS. I’d rather not. LADY MOGTON. It’s not a question of liking. It’s a question of duty. For this occasion we shall be appealing to the male voter. Our candidate must be a woman popular with men. The choice is somewhat limited. ELIZABETH. No one will put up so good a fight as you. ANNYS. Will you give me till this evening? LADY MOGTON. What for? ANNYS. I should like to consult Geoffrey. LADY MOGTON. You think he would object? ANNYS. (_A little doubtfully_.) No. But we have always talked everything over together. LADY MOGTON. Absurd! He’s one of our staunchest supporters. Of course he’ll be delighted. ELIZABETH. I think the thing ought to be settled at once. LADY MOGTON. It must be. I have to return to Manchester to-night. We shall have to get to work immediately. ST. HERBERT. Geoffrey will surely take it as a compliment. JANET. Don’t you feel that woman, all over the world, is calling to you? ANNYS. It isn’t that. I’m not trying to shirk it. I merely thought that if there had been time—of course, if you really think— LADY MOGTON. You consent? ANNYS. Yes. If it’s everybody’s wish. LADY MOGTON. That’s settled. PHOEBE. (_She springs up_, _waving a handkerchief_.) Chilvers for ever! JANET. (_Rises_.) God bless you! MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. (_Clapping her hands_.) Now we shan’t be long! LADY MOGTON. (_Hammers_.) Order, please! (_The three subside_.) This is serious business. The next step is, of course— (_The door opens_; GEOFFREY _enters_. _He is a youngish-looking man of three or four and thirty_. LADY MOGTON, _at the sound of the door_, _turns_. ST. HERBERT _rises_. _There is a pause_.) LADY MOGTON. We’ve been talking about you. We must apologise for turning your drawing-room— GEOFFREY. My dear mother-in-law, it is Providence. (_He kisses her_.) There is no one I was more longing to see. ANNYS. (_She has risen_.) Hake told me you would be dining at the House. GEOFFREY. (_He comes to her_, _kisses her_, _he is in a state of suppressed excitement_.) I shall be. I came back to bring you some news. PHOEBE. We’ve got some news for you. Have you heard— GEOFFREY. (_He stays her_.) May I claim man’s privilege for the first word? It is news, I am sure, you will all be delighted to hear. A friend of yours has been appointed to an office where—it is quite possible—he may be of service to you. PHOEBE. Governorship of Holloway Gaol? GEOFFREY. Not a bad guess. Very near it. To the Under-Secretaryship for Home Affairs. LADY MOGTON. Who is it? GEOFFREY. (_He bows_.) Your affectionate and devoted servant. ANNYS. You! PHOEBE. (_Genuinely delighted_. _She is not a quick thinker_.) Bravo! Congratulations, old boy! (_She has risen_—_she slaps him on the back_.) ANNYS. Geoffrey! (_She puts her arms about him_.) You never told me anything.