But I delivered each ruling with a resonance--it were better called an impudence--which had an air of authority.

There was a good deal of quiet laughter on the floor among the knowing ones, though I knew the mass was as ignorant as I was myself; but realizing that I meant to be just and was expediting business the convention soon warmed to me, and feeling this I began to be perfectly at home.

I never had a better day's sport in all my life.
One incident was particularly amusing.

Much against my will and over my protest I was brought to promise that Miss Phoebe Couzins, who bore a Woman's Rights Memorial, should at some opportune moment be given the floor to present it.

I foresaw what a row it was bound to occasion.
Toward noon, when there was a lull in the proceedings, I said with an emphasis meant to carry conviction: "Gentlemen of the convention, Miss Phoebe Couzins, a representative of the Woman's Association of America, has a memorial from that body, and in the absence of other business the chair will now recognize her." Instantly and from every part of the hall arose cries of "No!" These put some heart into me.