(_When the Ladies have the Franchise._)
_Voter._ Are you sure you are quite steady?
_Candidate._ Quite. And I am prepared to give the best time of my life
to the consideration of the most important----
_V._ Thank you, that will do. But do you think that a carriage is
necessary for a wife?
_C._ Certainly, and it would be a grievance if she had not one. By a
development of the trade of the country I believe that----
_V._ Thank you, that will do. And I suppose you admit the equality of
the sexes?
_C._ Undoubtedly, considering that the highest places in the
university class lists are carried off by----
_V._ Thank you, that will do. And I suppose you, if elected, will
have a fortune sufficiently ample to afford a house in Eaton Square,
a place in the country, a yacht in the Solent, a box at the opera, and
all the other necessary etceteras?
_C._ Most probably. I hold it to be the duty of every legislator to
see that his wealth is sufficient to enable him to give his individual
time to the service of his constituents, and----
_V._ Thank you, that will do. I presume, if you married, you would
like your wife's mother to occasionally visit her daughter?
_C._ Theoretically, yes. Judging for others, I would say that no
subject of greater interest than happy domestic arrangement could be
imagined. I would insist that the well-being of the family circle is
of paramount importance, and that----
_V._ Thank you, that will do. And now for my last question. If you are
elected will you be prepared to marry my eldest daughter?
_C._ That is a matter of great moment which requires the most careful
consideration. Without absolutely pledging myself to any course of
action, I may declare that----
_V._ Thank you, that will do. And now I will examine your opponent!
* * * * *