Mitchener (losing his temper).  You are the friend of every country but your own.

Balsquith.  Say nobodys enemy but my own.  It sounds nicer.  You really neednt be so horribly afraid of the other countries.  Theyre all in the same fix as we are.  Im much more interested in the death rate in Lambeth than in the German fleet.

Mitchener.  You darent say that in Lambeth.

Balsquith.  Ill say it the day after you publish your scheme for invading Germany and repealing all the reform Acts.

The Orderly comes in.

Mitchener.  What do you want?

The orderly.  I dont want anything, Governor, thank you.  The secretary and president of the Anti-Suffraget League say they had an appointment with the Prime Minister, and that theyve been sent on here from Downing Street.

Balsquith (going to the table).  Quite right.  I forgot them. (To Mitchener.) Would you mind my seeing them here?  I feel extraordinarily grateful to these women for standing by us and facing the suffragets, especially as they are naturally the gentler and timid sort of women. (The Orderly moans.) Did you say anything?

The orderly.  No, Sir.

Balsquith.  Did you catch their names.

The orderly.  Yes, Sir.  The president is Lady Corinthia Fanshawe; and the secretary is Mrs. Banger.

Mitchener (abruptly).  Mrs. what?

The orderly.  Mrs. Banger.

Balsquith.  Curious that quiet people always seem to have violent names.

The orderly.  Not much quiet about her, sir.

Mitchener (outraged).  Attention.  Speak when youre spoken to.  Hold your tongue when youre not.  Right about face.  March. (The Orderly obeys.) Thats the way to keep these chaps up to the mark. (The Orderly returns.) Back again!  What do you mean by this mutiny?

The orderly.  What am I to say to the ladies, sir?

Balsquith.  You dont mind my seeing them somewhere, do you?

Mitchener.  Not at all.  Bring them in to see me when youve done with them:  I understand that Lady Corinthia is a very fascinating woman.  Who is she, by the way?

Balsquith.  Daughter of Lord Broadstairs, the automatic turbine man.  Gave quarter of a million to the party funds.  Shes musical and romantic and all that—­dont hunt:  hates politics:  stops in town all the year round:  one never sees her anywhere except at the opera and at musical at-homes and so forth.

Mitchener.  What a life!  Still, if she wants to see me I dont mind. (To the Orderly.) Where are the ladies?

The orderly.  In No. 17, Sir.

Mitchener.  Show Mr. Balsquith there.  And send Mrs. Farrell here.

The orderly (calling into the corridor).  Mrs. Farrell! (To
Balsquith.) This way sir. (He goes out with Balsquith.)