ers which Alice received from Wanley were
not imparted to the other members of the family; she herself studied
them attentively, and with much apparent satisfaction.

For advice on certain details of the approaching celebration Richard had
recourse to Mrs. Waltham. He found her at home one rainy morning.
Adela, aware of his arrival, retreated to her little room upstairs.
Mrs. Waltham had a slight cold; it kept her close by the fireside, and
encouraged confidential talk.

'I have decided to invite about twenty people to lunch,' Richard said.
'Just the members of the committee and a few others. It'll be better
than giving a dinner. Westlake's lecture will be over by four o'clock,
and that allows people to get away in good time. The workmen's tea will
be at half-past five.'

'You must have refreshments of some kind for casual comers,' counselled
Mrs. Waltham.

'I've thought of that. Rodman suggests that we shall get the
"Wheatsheaf" people to have joints and that kind of thing in the
refreshment-room at the Hall from half-past twelve to half-past one. We
could put up some notice to that effect in Agworth station.'

'Certainly, and inside the railway carriages.'

Mutimer's private line, which ran from the works to Agworth station, was
to convey visitors to New Wanley on this occasion.

'I think I shall have three or four ladies,' Richard pursued 'Mrs.
Westlake 'll be sure to come', and I think Mrs. Eddlestone--the wife of
the Trades Union man, you know. And I've been rather calculating on you,
Mrs. Waltham; do you think you could--?'

The lady's eyes were turned to the window, watching the sad steady rain.

'Really, you're making a downright Socialist of me, Mr. Mutimer,' she
replied, with a laugh which betrayed a touch of sore throat. 'I'm half
afraid to accept such an invitation. Shouldn't I be there on false
pretences, don't you think?'

Richard mused; his legs were crossed, and he swayed his foot up and
down.

'Well, no, I can't see that. But I tell you what would make it simpler:
do you think Mr. Wyvern would come if I, asked him?'

'Ah, now, that would be capital! Oh, ask Mr. Wyvern by all means. Then,
of course, I should be delighted to accept.'

'But I haven't much hope that he'll come. I rather think he regards me
as his enemy. And, you see, I never go to church.'

'What a pity that is, Mr. Mutimer! Ah, if I could only persuade you to
think differently about those things! There really are so many t