Part 8

ANNYS. I’d rather not.

LADY MOGTON. It’s not a question of liking. It’s a question of duty. For this occasion we shall be appealing to the male voter. Our candidate must be a woman popular with men. The choice is somewhat limited.

ELIZABETH. No one will put up so good a fight as you.

ANNYS. Will you give me till this evening?

LADY MOGTON. What for?

ANNYS. I should like to consult Geoffrey.

LADY MOGTON. You think he would object?

ANNYS. (A little doubtfully.) No. But we have always talked everything over together.

LADY MOGTON. Absurd! He’s one of our staunchest supporters. Of course he’ll be delighted.

ELIZABETH. I think the thing ought to be settled at once.

LADY MOGTON. It must be. I have to return to Manchester to-night. We shall have to get to work immediately.

ST. HERBERT. Geoffrey will surely take it as a compliment.

JANET. Don’t you feel that woman, all over the world, is calling to you?

ANNYS. It isn’t that. I’m not trying to shirk it. I merely thought that if there had been time—of course, if you really think—

LADY MOGTON. You consent?

ANNYS. Yes. If it’s everybody’s wish.

LADY MOGTON. That’s settled.

PHOEBE. (She springs up, waving a handkerchief.) Chilvers for ever!

JANET. (Rises.) God bless you!

MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS. (Clapping her hands.) Now we shan’t be long!

LADY MOGTON. (Hammers.) Order, please!

(The three subside.)

This is serious business. The next step is, of course—

(The door opens; GEOFFREY enters. He is a youngish-looking man of three or four and thirty. LADY MOGTON, at the sound of the door, turns. ST. HERBERT rises. There is a pause.)

LADY MOGTON. We’ve been talking about you. We must apologise for turning your drawing-room—

GEOFFREY. My dear mother-in-law, it is Providence. (He kisses her.) There is no one I was more longing to see.

ANNYS. (She has risen.) Hake told me you would be dining at the House.

GEOFFREY. (He comes to her, kisses her, he is in a state of suppressed excitement.) I shall be. I came back to bring you some news.