Wish I'd studied voice-producsh'n, your age.
Usheful, County Council.'
"'County Council!' put in the lady sharply. 'Don't tell me!'
"'He's but a candidate at present, ma'am,' I explained.
"She eyed us both suspiciously. 'No kid, is it?' she asked.
'You ain't a dress-clothes detective? What? . . . Then, as between a
lady and a gentleman, why haven't you introduced him? It's usual.'
"'So it is, ma'am. Forgive me, this is Mr. Peter Farrell.
Mr. Farrell, the--the--Lady Petunia.'
"'And very delicately you done it, young man.' The Lady Petunia
bowed amiably. 'This ain't no--this isn't--no time nor place for
taking advantages and compromising.' She pitched her voice higher
and addressed Farrell. 'I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, if I
caught your name correctly. Mr. Farrell?--and of the National
Liberal Club? The address is sufficient, sir. It carries its own
recommendation--though I had hoped for the Constitutional.'
"'It's still harder to pronounce, ma'am,' I assured her. 'That is my
friend's only reason.'
"'It was you that started my-ladying me,' she claimed.
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