LORD J. Why should it? Can't you do what the other four hundred have done? STONOR (_laughs_). Easily. But, you see, the mere fact that four hundred and twenty members have been worried into promising support--and then once in the House have let the matter severely alone---- LORD J. (_to_ STONOR). Let it alone! Bless my soul, I should think so indeed. STONOR. Of course. Only it's a device that's somewhat worn. (_Enter_ MISS LEVERING, _with hat on; gloves and veil in her hand._) LORD J. Still if they think they're getting a future Cabinet Minister on their side---- STONOR. ... it will be sufficiently embarrassing for the Cabinet Minister. (STONOR _turns to speak to_ JEAN. _Stops dead seeing_ MISS LEVERING.) JEAN (_smiling_). You know one another? MISS L. (_looking at_ STONOR _with intentness but quite calmly_). Everybody in this part of the world knows Mr. Stonor, but he doesn't know me. LORD J. Miss Levering. (_They bow._) (_Enter_ GREATOREX, _sidling in with an air of giving_ MRS. FREDDY _a wide berth._) JEAN (_to_ MISS LEVERING _with artless enthusiasm_). Oh, have you been hearing him speak? MISS L. Yes, I was visiting some relations near Dutfield. They took me to hear you. STONOR. Oh--the night the Suffragettes made their customary row. MISS L. The night they asked you---- STONOR (_flying at the first chance of distraction, shakes hands with_ MRS. FREDDY). Well, Mrs. Freddy, what do you think of your friends now? MRS. F. My friends? STONOR (_offering her the Sunday paper_). Yes, the disorderly women. MRS. F. (_with dignity_). They are not my friends, but I don't think you must call them---- STONOR. Why not? (_Laughs._) I can forgive them for worrying the late Government. But they _are_ disorderly. MISS L. (_quietly_). Isn't the phrase consecrated to a different class? GREAT. (_who has got hold of the Sunday paper_). He's perfectly right. How do you do? Disorderly women! That's what they are! FARN. (_reading over his shoulder_). Ought to be locked up! every one of 'em. GREAT. (_assenting angrily_). Public nuisances! Going about with dog whips and spitting in policemen's faces. MRS. F. (_with a harassed air_). I wonder if they did spit? GREAT. (_exulting_). Of _course_ they did. MRS. F. (_turns on him_). You're no authority on what they do. _You_ run away. GREAT. (_trying to turn the laugh_). Run away? Yes. (_Backing a few paces._) And if ever I muster up courage to come back, it will be to vote for better manners in public life, not worse than we have already. MRS. F. (_meekly_). So should I. Don't think that _I_ defend the Suffragette methods. JEAN. (_with cheerful curiosity_). Still, you _are_ an advocate of the Suffrage, aren't you? MRS. F. _Here?_ (_Shrugs._) I don't beat the air. GREAT. (_mocking_). Only policemen.