"Then," she said, "I say no. And I believe there are many here who would
say no--and men, too." The wealth of indignation and contemptuous
scorn infused into the word by which the difference in sex of the
human species was indicated, made those unhappy individuals glance
shamefacedly at each other--"only they are too timid, the creatures! or
too indifferent."

Again there was an exchange of furtive glances and smiles and an uneasy
shifting of position on the part of "the creatures."

"But if you give them time, Mr. Chairman, I believe they will perhaps
get up courage enough to speak."

Miss Quigg sat down in her place behind the organ, disappearing quite
from view except for the tips of her plumes, whose rapid and rhythmic
vibrations were eloquent of the beating of her gallant little heart.

"Exactly so," said the chairman, in confused but hearty acquiescence.
"Perhaps some one will say something."

Then Mr. Innes, forced to a change of position by the physical
discomfort caused by his wife's prodding, rose and said,

"I dinna see the need o' any change. Mr. Dunbar is no a great preacher,
but Ah doot he does his best. And the bairns all like him."

Then the congregation had a thrill. In the back seat rose Harry Hobbs.

"I'm near forty years old," he cried, in a high nasal tone that