on of the
future generation, find expression in that great and powerful
development of modern times, a School Board.

Allison, forgetful of his fears about rates, murmured "Ooray!" as the
squire resumed his seat; and the rector, thanking the squire for his
able expression of his views, asked if there were any one else who
would give them the benefit of his opinion. There was a long silence.
It was hoped that Allison would have something to say and one and
another gave him a friendly nudge, but the blacksmith was too wise to
commit himself; he halted between two opinions. But there was a murmur
of astonishment as Macdonald rose and, supporting his burly form
against the wall, cleared his throat, and began to speak a little
huskily.

"No, thank you, sir," he said in answer to a nod from the rector to
come up to the platform. "I ain't scholard enough to stand up there,
but there's something I wants to say. The squire says as we should
know our own minds, and I'd like to tell you what's mine. Who should
have care of the children but the man who loves 'em like his own, who
goes reg'lar to see after 'em every day whilst we goes to work, who
teaches 'em to be good at school and to mind what their parents says at
home, and wants 'em most of all to love their God? If we voted him out
to-night we'd vote him in again to-morrow, and I'll give a pound
to-night to show as I'm ready to bide by my words. That's all,
gentlemen."

And Macdonald sat down with a very red face, which he promptly mopped
with a redder pocket-handkerchief, whilst Mrs. Macdonald unfolded her
clean one and wiped happy tears from her eyes. She dated every event
in after life from the night when "my John" made his speech in the
schoolroom. Its effect was electric, and roused the meeting to
enthusiasm.

A vote of confidence in the present management was proposed and carried
by an overwhelming majority, as seventy hands were counted in support
of it, and only five were raised against it. The subscription list lay
on the table, and not a few of the working-class, mindful of
Macdonald's example came up to enter their names under his.

"I shall make my subscription a hundred pounds, May; I really shall,"
said Mrs. Webster, feeling that her moral support was taking
substantial form. "Poor Mr. Curzon! I think Mr. Lessing's speech was
very uncalled-for, and that old Macdonald really surprised me. I
thought him a rude old man the only time I spoke to hi