JANET. (_She comes forward_. _She holds forth her hands with a half-appealing_, _half-commanding gesture_. _She almost seems inspired_.) Would it not be so much better if, in this first political contest between man and woman, the opponents were two people honouring one another, loving one another? Would it not show to all the world that man and woman may meet—contend in public life without anger, without scorn? (_There is a pause_. _They stand listening_.) I do not know, but it seems to me that if Mr. Chilvers could bring himself to do this it would be such a big thing—perhaps the most chivalrous thing that a man has ever done to help women. If he would put aside, quite voluntarily, all the man’s privilege—just say to the people, “Now choose—one of us two to serve you. We stand before you, equal, my wife and I.” I don’t know how to put it, but I feel that by merely doing that one thing Mr. Chilvers would solve the whole problem. It would prove that good men are ready to give us of their free accord all that we claim. We should gain our rights, not by warfare, but through love and understanding. Wouldn’t that be—so much better? (_She looks—her hands still appealing—from one to the other_.) (_Another silence_. _They have all been carried a little off their feet by_ JANET’S _earnestness_.) ANNYS. (_She touches him_.) What do you think, dear? GEOFFREY. Yes, there’s a good deal, of course, in what Miss Blake says. ANNYS. It _would_ be a big thing for you to do. PHOEBE. You see, whatever happened, the seat would be yours. This case only gives us the right to go to the poll. We are keen upon Annys because she’s our best card, that’s all. GEOFFREY. Do you wish it? ANNYS. (_She smiles up at him_.) I’d rather fight you than any one else. GEOFFREY. You are not afraid that the situation might be—just a trifle comical? ANNYS. (_Shakes her head_.) No. I think everybody will say it was rather splendid of you. GEOFFREY. Well, if it will help women. ANNYS. (_She holds out her hand_. _She is still in exalted mood_.) We will show how man and woman may be drawn nearer to one another by rivalry for noble ends. ST. HERBERT. (_He shakes_ GEOFFREY’S _somewhat limp hand_.) I envy you. The situation promises to be piquant. MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. It will be a battle of roses. LADY MOGTON. I must go. I shall see you both again to-morrow. (_She kisses_ GEOFFREY.) This is an historic day. GEOFFREY. Yes. I daresay we shall all remember it. LADY MOGTON. (_To_ JANET.) I will get you to come to the station with me. I can give you your instructions in the cab. (_She kisses_ ANNYS.) You have been called to a great work. Be worthy of it. (_They are all making ready to go_. ANNYS _has rung the bell for_ HAKE.) JANET. (_To_ ANNYS.) Are you glad?