There was a moment of silence, and then a brutal laugh and an explosion of cat-calls and hisses saluted her from the audience.

The clamor grew stronger and louder, and insulting speeches were shouted at her.

A half-intoxicated man rose up and threw something, which missed her but bespattered a chair at her side, and this evoked an outburst of laughter and boisterous admiration.

She was bewildered, her strength was forsaking her.

She reeled away from the platform, reached the ante-room, and dropped helpless upon a sofa.