e might have
been his mother. "Dear Jack," she said, "it was a wonderful thing she
did. God will surely spare her to you."

He rose wearily from his chair and put his arms around her.

"Oh, Adrien," he said, "it is good to have you here. I do need, we all
need you so."

Gently she put his arms away from her. "And now," she said briskly,
"I am going to take charge of you, Jack, of you all, and you must obey
orders."

"Only give me a chance to do anything for you," he said, "or for anyone
you care for."

There was a puzzled expression on Adrien's face as she turned away. But
she asked no explanation.

"My first order, then," she said, "is this: you must have your breakfast
and then go to bed for an hour or two."

"I shall be glad to breakfast, but I have a lot of things to do."

"Can't they wait? And won't you do them better after a good sleep?"

"Some of them can't wait," he replied. "I have just got Tony to bed. The
doctor has sent him to sleep. His father and mother are watching him.
Oh, Adrien, that is a sad home. It was a terrible experience for me.
Tony I must see when he wakes and the poor old father and mother will be
over here early. I must be ready for them."

"Very well, Jack," said Adrien in a prompt, businesslike tone. "You have
two clear hours for sleep. You must sleep for the sake of others, you
understand. I promise to wake you in good time."

"And what about yourself, Adrien?"

"Oh, this is my job," she said lightly. "I shall be relieved in the
afternoon, the doctor has promised."

When the Employers' Defence Committee met next morning there were many
haggard faces among its members. In the large hall outside the committee
room a considerable number of citizens, young and old, had gathered and
with them the Mayor, conversing in voices tinged with various emotions,
anxiety, pity, wrath, according to the temper and disposition of each.

In the committee room Mr. Farrington was in the chair. No sooner had
the meeting been called to order than Mr. Maitland arose, and, speaking
under deep but controlled feeling, he said:

"Gentlemen, I felt sure none of us would wish to transact ordinary
business this morning. I was sure, too, that in the very distressing
circumstances under which we meet you would feel as I do the need
of guidance and help. I therefore took the liberty of inviting the
deputation from the Ministerial Association which waited on us the other
day to join us in our deliberation