There rose a
general murmur; the loftier spirits demanded a purer vocabulary, the
multitude wanted to know whether that licensed victualler really
existed. All looked for an easy word next week; easy it must be this
time, or the game would begin to lose its zest. When the new number
went forth in its myriads of copies, and was snatched from street
vendors, stalls, shops, general expectation seemed to be justified.

"As nations grow civilized they give more and more attention to--"

Every man, every woman, had a word ready. Mr. Greenacre said nothing,
but hastily wrote down _genealogy_. Gammon, before consulting with
Polly Sparkes, sent off his postage stamps and _commerce_. Mr. and Mrs.
Parish declared in one shout that the word could only be _hyjene_.

"Nonsense!" said Christopher, who was in the room. "That's just because
you're always thinking of it."

For all that, as he went to business the word hummed in his head. It
might be the solution after all; his objection originated only in scorn
of a word so familiar, and therefore, he had thought at first, so
improbable. But, really, the more he thought of it--

In his pocket he carried an envelope, already addressed, and a blank
sheet of paper enfolding stamps. Should he once more enter the
lottery--risk the price of a luncheon? He had resolved not to do so,
but every moment the temptation gained upon him. "Hyjene." By the by,
how did one spell the word? _H-y_--he grew uncertain at the third
letter. Misspelling, he knew, would invalidate his chance; on the other
hand, he must post as soon as possible; already thousands of answers
were on their way to the office of the editor.

He was sitting in a London Bridge tram-car. At its next stoppage there
entered a staid old gentleman, with whom he had made the Cityward
journey for years; they always nodded to each other. This morning the
grave senior chanced to take a place at his side, and a greeting passed
between them. Christopher felt a sudden impulse, upon which he acted
before timidity and other obstacles could interfere.

"Would you tell me, sir," he whispered, "the c'rect spelling of
_hyjene_; meaning 'ealthiness, you know?"

"Why, what a queer thing!" answered his neighbour with all
friendliness. "I've just been reading the word in the paper. Here is
it."

He folded the sheet conveniently for Christopher's inspection, and
pointed--

"_H-y-g-i-e-n-e_."

Mr. Parish read eagerly, his eyes close to the print,