mperance
bow, came hastily up to him, and whispered mysteriously in his ear. The
smile with which this communication was received showed that there was
nothing amiss. Having asked the assembled company to wait for a minute,
Mr Maltby hastened out of the building, and quickly returned, leading
in Dr and Mrs Prosser. A shout of surprised and hearty welcome
greeted the entrance of the new guests.

"This is not to me," said the vicar, "an altogether unexpected pleasure;
but I would not say anything about the doctor's coming, as, though I had
invited him, he left it very doubtful whether his engagements would
allow him to be here, and I had pretty well given him up. But I am sure
we are all rejoiced to see him among us on this happy occasion."--There
could be no doubt of that, and the doctor and his wife being
accommodated with places, grace was sung, and the tea began in earnest.

If you want thoroughly to appreciate a good tea, be in the habit of
drinking nothing stronger, take a moderate walk on a bright, blowy
summer's afternoon, have a scramble with a lot of little children till
all your breath is gone for the time being, and then sit down, if you
are privileged to have the opportunity, in the open-air, to such a meal
as was spread before the temperance holiday-makers of Crossbourne. Dr
Prosser and his wife thought they had never enjoyed anything more in
their lives, and looking round saw a sparkling happiness on every face,
the result in part, at any rate, of partaking of that most gentle,
innocent, and refreshing of stimulants--tea.

But even the most importunate tea-cup must rest at last; and so, while
the first division, having been fully satisfied, gave way to a second,
the band struck up a torrent of music, and in due time sat down
themselves with those whom they had helped to cheer with their
enlivening strains. And now the last cup of tea had been emptied, and
the most persevering of the Band of Hope boys had reluctantly retired,
leaving an unfinished plate of muffins master of the field.

The fragments were gathered up, the tables and trestles removed, and the
trumpeter, invigorated by his inspiriting meal, poured forth a blast
loud and long to recall the stragglers. It was close upon half-past
six, and all began now to assemble, pouring in from all quarters into
the central open space. A few chairs had been brought, and were
appropriated to the ladies and speakers. Two large cake-baskets turned
on