Janet monologue — The Master of Mrs. Chilvers: An Improbable Comedy

(_She comes forward_. _She holds forth her hands with a half-appealing_, _half-commanding gesture_. _She almost seems inspired_.) Would it not be so much better if, in this first political contest between man and woman, the opponents were two people honouring one another, loving one another? Would it not show to all the world that man and woman may meet—contend in public life without anger, without scorn? (_There is a pause_. _They stand listening_.) I do not know, but it seems to me that if Mr. Chilvers could bring himself to do this it would be such a big thing—perhaps the most chivalrous thing that a man has ever done to help women. If he would put aside, quite voluntarily, all the man’s privilege—just say to the people, “Now choose—one of us two to serve you. We stand before you, equal, my wife and I.” I don’t know how to put it, but I feel that by merely doing that one thing Mr. Chilvers would solve the whole problem. It would prove that good men are ready to give us of their free accord all that we claim. We should gain our rights, not by warfare, but through love and understanding. Wouldn’t that be—so much better? (_She looks—her hands still appealing—from one to the other_.)