We should have a splendid hall."
"The deuce! But, Mr. Wykes, it is no such simple matter to prepare a
lecture in four-and-twenty hours. What am I to talk about?"
"Any subject, sir, that would be of interest to a wide-awake
audience. If I might suggest, there are your travels, for instance.
And I understand that you are deeply conversant with the Northern
literatures; I am sure something"----
"Pardon me. I hardly think I should care to go so far away for a
theme."
The Secretary heard this with pleasure.
"All the better, Sir! Any subject of the day; nothing could be more
acceptable. You probably know our position at the Institute. In
practice, we are something like a Liberal Club. You have heard that
the other party are going to start a Society of their own?"
"I have--a Society with an imbecile Dame." He pondered. "Suppose I
were to talk about 'The Position of Woman in our Time'?"
"Capital, Mr. Quarrier! Couldn't be better, sir! Do permit me to
announce it at once!"
"It's rather a ticklish responsibility I'm undertaking--but--
very well, I will do my best, Mr. Wykes. Who is chairman?"
"Mr. William Glazzard, sir."
"Ho ho! All right; I'll turn up to time. Eight o'clock, I suppose?
Evening dress, or not? Oh, of course, if it's usual; I didn't know
your custom."
Mr. Wykes did not linger. Left alone again, Denzil walked about in
excited mood.
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