calling their names (from a list
propped up on his cigar-tray), although he was sure Kit Kats would not
need reminding. These sterling merits which he had just enumerated had
won, he said, for Hubert Brett, if he might drop the Mr. in Art's
fellowship (applause), a big following in Lewisham, and to-night's
event, he felt confident, would render it yet bigger. Frankly, as
President, when he thought of this fixture he had felt pleased.
(Applause.) Of the distinguished novelist's affability in acceding to
their desire in spite of the many calls upon his time and recent
marriage (laughter), he intended to say nothing. (Some applause.) He
here read out, he confessed with a certain pride, the names of
distinguished authors who had so acceded formerly, and Hubert was half
disappointed yet half flattered to find himself able to agree with the
President's remark that none of them was so popular or well-known an
author as their guest to-night. "He has told me," slyly concluded the
orator, "that the trains home are bad and that his wife is sitting up
for him. (Laughter.) Those of us who are married men will
understand." (Loud laughter and a high-voiced "Shame," then female
tittering.) "I only pull aside the veil in this way so as to let you
realise why I draw my remarks short to-night and call upon our guest of
honour, Hubert Brett, for the pleasure of a few words upon the
literature of to-day, in which he plays so considerable a part."

Enormous applause greeted this conclusion and to it was added the
clapping of white gloves (for all the ladies wore them), as Hubert rose
and stood behind his chair. Even the lady whose brother reviewed,
possibly melted by hearing that her neighbour was a genius to whom much
always is forgiven, smacked him playfully on the back as he got up to
speak.

He was not a good speaker and prudently had written out the headings of
his speech and a few epigrams that might pass as impromptu after wine.
There had not, unluckily, been any wine and all the early epigrams
passed quite unnoticed. A speech devised for 'Varsity enthusiasts was
not of the true Kit Kat bouquet.

Hubert had so far got the instincts of an orator that he could realise
this fact. The chilly aspect of his listeners told him that he had not
gripped them; a swift ranging back to the last speech supplied the
cause. He was not broad enough in his effects. They did not care for
theories on writing; they wanted something perso