"Well, I'm not," says Dolly. (_Oh, Dolly!_) "I suppose there may be some excuse for canvassing among people who do not take much interest in politics,--though _I_ shouldn't like to do it,--but it would be rather a waste of time for me or any one else to come and try on that sort of thing with _you_, wouldn't it, Mr Gulching?" Mr Gulching, outwardly frigid but inwardly liquescent, agrees that this is so; and adds in a truculent growl that he would like to see 'em try it on. "What I really want," continues Dolly, "is your _advice_. I am told that you are so respected here, and have such a knowledge of the requirements of the neighbourhood, that you might be inclined to give us a little help in a scheme which Mr Inglethwaite has in hand. Schemes for the improvement of some of the houses--not snug little cribs like this, but the homes of people who are not so clever and able to take care of themselves as you--and the supplying of more amusements in the evenings; entertainments, lectures----" "Teetotal?" inquires Mr Gulching hoarsely. "Oh dear, no. I am sure Mr Inglethwaite would not wish to deprive any one of his glass of beer. He quite agrees with your views about moderate drinking." (This, I may mention, is a slanderous libel on me, but it sounds all right as Dolly says it.) "But he knows that the success of his efforts will depend entirely upon whether he has the support of such men as yourself--men who know what they want and will see that they get it. We can't do without you, you see," she adds, with a bewitching little smile. Visible swelling on the part of Mr Gulching. Dolly gets up. "Well, I know you are a busy man, Mr Gulching, so I mustn't keep you listening to a woman's chatter any more. I'm afraid I haven't explained things very deeply, but then you men are such creatures for wanting to get to the root of the matter, aren't they, Mrs Gulching? However, Mr Inglethwaite will call shortly and discuss things with you. I know he wants your advice. Meanwhile, perhaps you will mention the matter to any friends of yours whom you think would be likely to help us, won't you? Good morning, and thank you so much for granting me this--er--interview. An Englishman's house is his castle, isn't it? That is why it was so good of you to let me come in. Good-bye, Mrs Gulching. He's a perfectly sweet little chap, and I must come and see him again, if I may." (The last remark is a little ambiguous, but probably refers to the baby.) And Dolly, with a friendly nod to the rest of the family (who are by this time drawn up _en echelon_ at the street door, under the personal direction of Violet Amelia Gulching), sails out, followed by a gratified leer from the greatly inflated Mr Gulching, having secured that free and independent elector's vote without even having asked for it. And yet some women are crying out for the right to control elections!