Comtesse.  It is quite true, Charles.  I heard him say so; and indeed he repeated what he called the ‘peroration’ before me.

Maggie.  I know it by heart. [She plays a bold game.] ’These are the demands of all intelligent British women, and I am proud to nail them to my flag’—­

Comtesse.  The very words, Mrs. Shand.

Maggie [looking at her imploringly].  ’And I don’t care how they may embarrass the Government.’ [The Comtesse is bereft of speech, so suddenly has she been introduced to the real Maggie Shand].  ’If the right honourable gentleman will give us his pledge to introduce a similar Bill this session I will willingly withdraw mine; but otherwise I solemnly warn him that I will press the matter now to a division.’

[She turns her face from the great man; she has gone white.]

Venables [after a pause].  Capital.

[The blood returns to MAGGIE’s heart.]

Comtesse [who is beginning to enjoy herself very much].  Then you are pleased to know that he means to, as you say, go to a division?

Venables.  Delighted.  The courage of it will be the making of him.

Comtesse.  I see.

Venables.  Had he been to hedge we should have known that he was a pasteboard knight and have disregarded him.

Comtesse.  I see.

[She desires to catch the eye of Maggie, but it is carefully turned from her.]

Venables.  Mrs. Shand, let us have him in at once.

Comtesse.  Yes, yes, indeed.

[MAGGIE’s anxiety returns, but she has to call John in.]

John [impressed].  Mr. Venables!  This is an honour.

Venables.  How are you, Shand?

John.  Sit down, sit down. [Becoming himself again.] I can guess what you have come about.

Venables.  Ah, you Scotsmen.

John.  Of course I know I’m harassing the Government a good deal—­

Venables [blandly].  Not at all, Shand.  The Government are very pleased.

John.  You don’t expect me to believe that?

Venables.  I called here to give you the proof of it.  You may know that we are to have a big meeting at Leeds on the 24th, when two Ministers are to speak.  There is room for a third speaker, and I am authorised to offer that place to you.

John.  To me!

Venables.  Yes.

John [swelling].  It would be—­the Government taking me up.

Venables.  Don’t make too much of it; it would be an acknowledgment that they look upon you as one of their likely young men.

Maggie.  John!

John [not found wanting in a trying hour].  It’s a bribe.  You are offering me this on condition that I don’t make my speech.  How can you think so meanly of me as to believe that I would play the women’s cause false for the sake of my own advancement.  I refuse your bribe.