MRS. F. (_plaintively_). If you cared to know the attitude of the real workers in the reform, you might have noticed in any paper last week we lost no time in dissociating ourselves from the little group of hysterical---- (_Catches her husband's eye, and instantly checks her flow of words._) MRS. H. They have lowered the whole sex in the eyes of the entire world. JEAN (_joining_ GEOFFREY STONOR). I can't quite see what they want--those Suffragettes. GREAT. Notoriety. FARN. What they want? A good thrashin'--that's what I'd give 'em. MISS L. (_murmurs_). Spirited fellow! LORD J. Well, there's one sure thing--they've dished their goose. (GREATOREX _chuckles, still reading the account._) I believe these silly scenes are a pure joy to you. GREAT. Final death-blow to the whole silly business! JEAN (_mystified, looking from one to the other_). The Suffragettes don't seem to _know_ they're dead. GREAT. They still keep up a sort of death-rattle. But they've done for themselves. JEAN (_clasping her hands with fervour_). Oh, I hope they'll last till the election's over. FARN. (_stares_). Why? JEAN. Oh, we want them to get the working man to--(_stumbling and a little confused_)--to vote for ... the Conservative candidate. Isn't that so? (_Looking round for help. General laughter._) LORD J. Fancy, Jean----! GREAT. The working man's a good deal of an ass, but even he won't listen to---- JEAN (_again appealing to the silent_ STONOR). But he _does_ listen like anything! I asked why there were so few at the Long Mitcham meeting, and I was told, "Oh, they've all gone to hear Miss----" STONOR. Just for a lark, that was. LORD J. It has no real effect on the vote. GREAT. Not the smallest. JEAN (_wide-eyed, to_ STONOR). Why, I thought you said---- STONOR (_hastily, rubbing his hand over the lower part of his face and speaking quickly_). I've a notion a little soap and water wouldn't do me any harm. LORD J. I'll take you up. You know Freddy Tunbridge. (STONOR _pauses to shake hands. Exeunt all three._) JEAN (_perplexed, as_ STONOR _turns away, says to_ GREATOREX). Well, if women are of no importance in politics, it isn't for the reason you gave. There is now and then a week-ender among them. GREAT. (_shuffles about uneasily_). Hm--Hm. (_Finds himself near_ MRS. FREDDY.) Lord! The perils that beset the feet of man! (_With an air of comic caution, moves away_, L.) JEAN (_to_ FARNBOROUGH, _aside, laughing_). Why does he behave like that? FARN. His moral sense is shocked. JEAN. Why, I saw him and Mrs. Freddy together at the French Play the other night--as thick as thieves. MISS L. Ah, that was before he knew her revolting views. JEAN. What revolting views? GREAT. Sh! Sunday. (_As_ GREATOREX _sidles cautiously further away._) JEAN (_laughing in spite of herself_). I can't believe women are so helpless when I see men so afraid of them. GREAT. The great mistake was in teaching them to read and write.