MISS L. I am not concerned that you should think we women can paint great pictures, or compose immortal music, or write good books. I am content that we should be classed with the common people--who keep the world going. But (_straightening up and taking a fresh start_), I'd like the world to go a great deal better. We were talking about justice. I have been inquiring into the kind of lodging the poorest class of homeless women can get in this town of London. I find that only the men of that class are provided for. Some measure to establish Rowton Houses for women has been before the London County Council. They looked into the question "very carefully," so their apologists say. And what did they decide? They decided that _they could do nothing_. LADY JOHN (_having forced her way to_ STONOR'S _side_). Is that true? STONOR (_speaking through_ MISS LEVERING'S _next words_). I don't know. MISS L. Why could that great, all-powerful body do nothing? Because, if these cheap and decent houses were opened, they said, the homeless women in the streets would make use of them! You'll think I'm not in earnest. But that was actually the decision and the reason given for it. Women that the bitter struggle for existence has forced into a life of horror---- STONOR (_sternly to_ LADY JOHN). You think this is the kind of thing---- (_A motion of the head towards_ JEAN.) MISS L.--the outcast women might take advantage of the shelter these decent, cheap places offered. But the _men_, I said! Are all who avail themselves of Lord Rowton's hostels, are _they_ all angels? Or does wrong-doing in a man not matter? Yet women are recommended to depend on the chivalry of men. (_The two policemen, who at first had been strolling about, have stood during this scene in front of_ GEOFFREY STONOR. _They turn now and walk away, leaving_ STONOR _exposed. He, embarrassed, moves uneasily, and_ VIDA LEVERING'S _eye falls upon his big figure. He still has the collar of his motor coat turned up to his ears. A change passes over her face, and her nerve fails her an instant._)