class="spkr">VICTORIA.

That’s ridiculous!

ENID.

Rudeness is not argument!

VICTORIA.

Why make distinctions?

ENID.

I make no distinctions. I admit that a woman has just as much right to come home with the milk as a man: but I say, a man has no right to come home with the milk; and I say more—no woman who respects herself has any desire to come home with the milk!

VICTORIA.

Bother the milk! It isn’t a question of milk. It’s a question of making artificial distinctions between the sexes.

ENID.

I say that there ought to be no distinction! Why should a man be allowed to commit sins——

VICTORIA.

And woman not be given an opportunity?

ENID.

Then do you want to commit sins?

VICTORIA.

I want to be allowed to do as men do.

ENID.

Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself; there!

VICTORIA.

I only say, I ought to be allowed.

ENID.

And I say that a man, reeking with infamy, ought not to be allowed to marry a pure girl——

VICTORIA.

Certainly not! She ought to reek with infamy as well.

ENID.

Victoria!

[Knock without.

VICTORIA.

What is the difference between man and woman?

ENID.

There is no difference!

Re-enter Wells, door in flat.

WELLS.

Dr. Mary Bevan.

[Exit Wells.

Enter Dr. Mary Bevan.