So were others.
"Madam President! Madam President!" resounded from several points at once.

Madam Weatherstone--Mrs.Thaddler--no! yes--they really were both on their feet.

Applause was going on--irregularly--soon dropped.

Only, from the group in the gallery it was whole-hearted and consistent.
Mrs.Dankshire, who had been growing red and redder as the paper advanced, who had conferred in alarmed whispers with Mrs.Ree, and Miss Massing, who had even been seen to extend her hand to the gavel and finger it threateningly, now rose, somewhat precipitately, and came forward.
"Order, please! You will please keep order.

You have heard the--we will now--the meeting is now open for discussion, Mrs.Thaddler!" And she sat down.