ST. HERBERT Quite finished.

LADY MOGTON Thank you. [She raps for silence.] You will
understand, please, all, that this is a private meeting of the
Council. Nothing that transpires is to be allowed to leak out.
[There is a murmur.] Silence, please, for Mr. St. Herbert.

ST. HERBERT Before we begin, I should like to remind you, ladies,
that you are, all of you, persons mentally deficient -

[The door opens. MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS enters, announced by
HAKE. She is a showily-dressed, flamboyant lady.]

[HAKE goes out.]

MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS I AM so sorry. I have only just this
minute--[She catches sight of ST. HERBERT.] You naughty creature,
why weren't you at my meeting last night? The Rajah came with both
his wives. We've elected them, all three, honorary members.

LADY MOGTON Do you mind sitting down?

MRS. MOUNTCALM-VILLIERS Here, dear? [She takes the vacant chair.]
So nice of you. I read about your meeting. What a clever idea!

LADY MOGTON [Cuts her short.] Yes. We are here to consider a
very important matter. By way of commencement Mr. St. Herbert has
just reminded us that in the eye of the law all women are
imbeciles.