It began in all innocence--naturally, as it was his maiden speech--when he rose, don't you know, to propose an amendment.

I take it that speech was so maidenly that it shrank from anything in the nature of a proposal.

It went on in a terrified manner, coyly considering and hesitating--till it cleared the House.

And he was awfully pleased when we congratulated him on his 'maidenly reserve.'" "How did he ever get elected ?" said Miss Proctor.
"My dear lady, it was a glorious stroke of the Opposition.

They withdrew their candidate when he contested the election.