length._) ... You all know the purpose for which we have ... (_Here
an enthusiastic old Lady on the drag begins to cheer aimlessly, and
wave a scrubbing-brush; the Laundresses on the lorry join in._) Well,
we're going to ask Parliament ... (_Another female in crowd_: "'Ullo,
there's Mrs. JINNINGS, along with the toffs! I want to 'ear Mrs.
JINNINGS speak, I do!") ... I shall now ask you to listen to a
speaker--Mrs. GOFFIN--who has had several years' practical experience
of laundry-work, and she will tell you, I am sure, what the hardships
and injustices are which we are trying to put an end to.

[Mrs. GOFFIN, _a stout, red-faced Lady, mounts the seat with a
cheery confidence, amidst roars of laughter, and shouts of "Go
it, old girl!" "Don't forgit to send my shirt home next week!"
&c., &c. The female in the crowd repeats her preference
for_ Mrs. JINNINGS' _oratory; a string of factory-girls, in
high-feathered hats, having just elbowed their way into the
throng, suddenly conceive a desire to "get a breath o' air
somewhere," and accordingly push and trample their way out
again with a Parthian discharge of refined raillery--after
which_ Mrs. GOFFIN's _voice becomes audible._

[Illustration: "I've been and spoke to hover forty Members o'
Parlyment myself!"]

_Mrs. Goffin_. Why, I've been and spoke to hover forty Members o'
Parlyment on the subjeck myself, I 'ave, and they was all on our
side, 'cept three or four, as was lawyers--and you know what _they_
are! (_The crowd expresses hearty disapproval of the Profession as a
body._) One on 'em sez to me, "My good woman, I'm against 'aving the
Factory Acts. I'm all for freedom, I am!" "So am _I_ all for freedom,"