ss Mumbray, and young Mr. Raglan Mumbray,
was seen moving forward; he acknowledged salutations with a heavy bow
and a wave of the hand. Decidedly it was a field-day. From the street
below sounded a constant roll of carriages and clatter of hoofs coming
to a standstill before the Institute. Never, perhaps, had so many
people in evening costume gathered under this roof. Even Mr. Chown, the
draper, though scornful of such fopperies, had thought it due to his
position as a town-councillor to don the invidious garb; he was not
disposed to herd among the undistinguished at the back of the room.
Ladies were in great force, though many of them sought places with an
abashed movement, not quite sure whether what they were about to hear
would be strictly "proper." One there was who betrayed no such tremors;
the position she assumed was about the middle of the hall, and from
time to time curious looks were cast in that direction.

The clock pointed to eight. Punctually to the moment a side door was
thrown open, and a procession of gentlemen ascended the platform.
Members of the committee seated themselves in a row of arm-chairs; Mr.
William Glazzard took his place not far from the reading-desk, and
behind it subsided the lecturer.

In these instants Denzil Quarrier was the prey of sudden panic. He had
imagined that his fortitude was proof against stage-fright, but between
the door and his seat on the platform he suffered horribly. His throat
was parched and constricted; his eyes dazzled, so that he could see
nothing; his limbs were mere automatic mechanism; he felt as though
some one had set his ears on fire. He strove wildly to recollect his
opening sentences; but they were gone. How was he to fill up a mortal
hour with coherent talk when he had not command of one phrase? He had
often reproved himself for temerity, and now the weakness had brought
its punishment. What possessed him to run into such a----?

The chairman had risen and was speaking. "Pleasure -- -- -- introduce
-- -- -- Mr. Denzil Quarrier, -- -- -- not unknown to many of you -- --
-- almost at a moment's notice -- -- -- much indebted -- -- --"

An outbreak of applause, and then dead silence. The ticking of the
clock became audible. Some external force took hold upon him, lifted
him from the chair, and impelled him a few steps forward. Some voice,
decidedly not his own, though it appeared to issue from his throat,
uttered the words "Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentle