GEOFFREY [He moves away with an expression of deep annoyance.]

JANET [She comes forward. She holds forth her hands with a half-
appealing, half-commanding gesture. She almost seems inspired.]
Would it not be so much better if, in this first political contest
between man and woman, the opponents were two people honouring one
another, loving one another? Would it not show to all the world
that man and woman may meet--contend in public life without anger,
without scorn? [There is a pause. They stand listening.] I do
not know, but it seems to me that if Mr. Chilvers could bring
himself to do this it would be such a big thing--perhaps the most
chivalrous thing that a man has ever done to help women. If he
would put aside, quite voluntarily, all the man's privilege--just
say to the people, "Now choose--one of us two to serve you. We
stand before you, equal, my wife and I." I don't know how to put
it, but I feel that by merely doing that one thing Mr. Chilvers
would solve the whole problem. It would prove that good men are
ready to give us of their free accord all that we claim. We should
gain our rights, not by warfare, but through love and
understanding. Wouldn't that be--so much better? [She looks--her
hands still appealing--from one to the other.]

[Another silence. They have all been carried a little off their
feet by JANET'S earnestness.]

ANNYS [She touches him.] What do you think, dear?

GEOFFREY Yes, there's a good deal, of course, in what Miss Blake
says.