Alison with even more than
his wonted kindness. Bindlecombe was visibly nervous and perturbed as he
read to us Cartmell's letter. When he had finished it, he looked across
the table to Alison and said, "I understand that you have something to
say, Mr. Alison?"

"What I have to say, sir, is soon said," Alison answered. He spoke low
and very gravely, like a man who discharges an imperative but
distasteful task. "The Institute is very closely connected with the
personality of the liberal--the very liberal--donor. In my opinion--and
I believe that I am very far from being alone in the opinion--it is
inexpedient to proceed with the work until we can feel sure of being
able to enjoy Miss Driver's personal cooperation. I move that, while
thanking Miss Driver for the offer contained in the letter we have just
heard, we express to her our opinion in that sense." He had not looked
at any of us, but had kept his eyes lowered as he spoke.

There was a moment's pause. Then Fillingford said, "I agree, and I
second the motion." His voice was entirely impassive. "I don't think it
is necessary for me to add anything."

Bindlecombe turned to me with an air of inquiry.

"I can take no part in this," I said. "It is simply for me to hear the
decision of the Committee and to communicate it to Miss Driver in due
course."

Bindlecombe clasped his hands nervously; he was acutely distressed--and
not only for the threatened loss of his darling Institute. He knew how
Jenny would read the resolution, and Jenny had been his idol.

"Is--is this really necessary?" he ventured to ask, though Alison's sad
gravity and Fillingford's cold resoluteness evidently overawed him.
"Perhaps some of the preliminary work could----?"

Alison interposed; "I fear I must ask that my resolution be put as it
stands."

Fillingford nodded, drumming lightly on the table with his fingers.
Evidently they had made up their minds; if the resolution were not
passed, they would secede. That would be worse than the resolution
itself, and would make progress just as impossible.

"Then I'll put it," said Bindlecombe reluctantly. "No gentleman desires
to say any more?"

No more was said. The resolution was carried, I, of course, not voting.

"And I suppose that we adjourn--_sine die_?" said Bindlecombe.

That followed as of course, and we all three assented. Bindlecombe rose
from the chair. There, for the present at all events, was an end of the
Institute, there Jenny