ng to see that they ought to set up a new man; they are
quarrelling among themselves. That bazaar at the opening of the new
Society's rooms--the Constitutional Literary, you know--seems to have
been a failure. No one was satisfied. The _Mercury_ printed savage
letters from a lot of people--blaming this, that, and the other person
in authority. The _Examiner_, chuckled, and hasn't done referring to
the matter yet."

Apart with Lilian, Mrs. Liversedge had begun to talk of the society of
Polterham. She did not try to be witty at the expense of her
neighbours, but confessed with a sly smile that literature and the arts
were not quite so well appreciated as might be wished.

"You are a serious student, I know--very learned in languages. I wish I
had had more time for reading, and a better head. But seven children,
you know--oh dear! Even my little bit of French has got so ragged that
I am really ashamed of it. But there _is_ one woman who studies. Has
Denzil spoken to you of Mrs. Wade?"

"I don't remember."

"She is no great favourite of his, I believe. You will soon hear of
her, and no doubt see her. Denzil admits that she is very clever--even
a Greek scholar!"

"Really! And what fault does he find with her?"

"She is a great supporter of woman's rights, and occasionally makes
speeches. It's only of late that I have seen much of her; for some
reason she seems to have taken a liking to me, and I feel rather
honoured. I'm sure her intentions are very good indeed, and it must be
trying to live among people who have no sympathy with you. They make
sad fun of her, and altogether misunderstand her--at least I think so."

The snowstorm still raged. To spare their own horses, the Liversedges
had come in a cab, and at half-past five the same vehicle returned to
take them home. Lilian was sorry to see them go.

"Where are all your apprehensions now?" cried Denzil, coming back to
her from the hall. "It's over, you see. Not another minute's uneasiness
need you have!"

"They were kindness itself. I like them very much."

"As I knew and said you would. Now, no more chalky faces and frightened
looks! Be jolly, and forget everything. Let us try your piano."

"Your sister was telling me about Mrs. Wade. Is she one of the people
you would like me to be friends with?"

"Oh yes!" he answered, laughing, "Mrs. Wade will interest you, no
doubt. Make a friend of her by all means. Did Mary whisper mysterious
warnings?"

"Anything b