m, but to-night
he was simply charming. I felt almost inclined to cry. I'm going to
put down my name now. I wish Mr. Curzon to realize that I am on his
side, whatever the squire may be;" and Mrs. Webster swept towards the
platform.

Left to herself May stood and looked down the room which was emptying
rapidly. The squire stood apart but, catching her eye, moved towards
her with a slightly satirical smile.

"So you've lived it through, Miss Webster; you've faced the bitter
end," he said, quoting her words.

"Yes; and I've not been bored at all," she answered, resenting his tone.

"You came to scoff, in fact, and you remained to pray."

"I came with an open mind, prepared to be converted by the best
speaker, and I found him in Macdonald," said May, defiantly.
"Henceforth I shall be an ardent supporter of the voluntary system."

Paul laughed. "Will your ardent support take tangible form like old
Macdonald's?" he said. He spoke in pure jest, but May accepted his
words literally and flushed a little. "It's a question that your very
short acquaintance with me hardly justifies you in asking, does it?"

"Not in earnest, certainly; I spoke in the merest fun. If I vexed you,
I apologize."

"You did vex me. It is the second time to-night that you have put
yourself out of the way to say a disagreeable thing. People may think
as many disagreeable things as they like, but they have no right to
give expression to them."

"But now you are charging me with sins which I have not committed. I
have not spoken to you for five minutes, and no other sentiment of
mine, that I know of, needs a special apology."

"A look does! You looked cross as you stooped to unfasten my dress
from that nail when I came into the room: it bored you to render me
even that very slight service. Pray don't attempt to deny it! you
possess the merit of being strictly truthful."

"Truthfully disagreeable apparently," said Paul, a little nettled.

"And now," said May, restored to perfect good-humour by having spoken
out her mind, "the platform seems vacant; shall we go and consider that
subscription list, or will it hurt your feelings?"

"Not the least. I've suffered defeat, but I was glad of the
opportunity of speaking."

"Why?" asked May, as she mounted the platform.

"Because I have won four to my side; I made four people think."

"Then the people who followed Macdonald's lead, which includes myself,
are credited with not having the