se
paper-makers."

"Of course."

"That will pretty well absorb this first meeting. The ladies will
manage that, I think; and when this is provided for, I will try what
I can do at the committee; but there is no good in bringing it
forward at this great public affair, when every ass can put in his
word. Everything depends on whom they choose for the new mayor. If
Whitlock comes in, there is some chance of sense and reason being
heard. Good night."

As Raymond said, the more immediate object of the meeting fixed for
the ensuing day, was to provide for the employment of the numerous
women thrown out of employment by the destruction of the paper-
mills. A subscription was in hand, but not adequate to the need;
and moreover, it was far more expedient to let them maintain
themselves.

How this was to be done was the question. Cecil told her husband
that at Dunstone they made the women knit stockings; and he replied
by recommending the suppression of Dunstone. How strange it was
that what she had been used to consider as the source of honour
should be here held in what seemed to her disesteem!

Lady Tyrrell's ponies were tinkling up to the door of the hotel
where the meeting was to be held, and her gracious smile recalled
Cecil's good-humour; Raymond saw them to their seats, and then had
to go and take the chair himself on the platform--first, however,
introducing his wife to such of the ladies present as he
recollected.

She thought he wanted her to sit between melancholy white faced Mrs.
Fuller and a bony spinster in a poke-bonnet whom he called Miss
Slater; but Cecil, concluding that this last could have no vote, and
that the Vicarage was secure, felt free to indulge herself by
getting back to Lady Tyrrell, who had scarcely welcomed her before
exclaiming, "Mrs. Duncombe, I did not know you were returned."

"I came back on the first news of your flare-up," said the newcomer.
"I only came down this morning. I would not have missed this
meeting for anything. It is a true woman's question. A fair
muster, I see," looking round with her eye-glass, and bowing to
several on the platform, especially to Raymond, who returned the bow
rather stiffly.

"Ah! let me introduce you," said Lady Tyrrell. "Mrs. Raymond
Charnock Poynsett."

"I am very glad to see you embarked in the cause," said the lady,
frankly holding out her hand. "May we often meet in the same
manner, though I honestly tell you I'm not of your pa