a stranger on a bus. Presently there was a complete stillness.
“If there are no more questions,” said the chairman, rising.
“I should just like ” broke in a ringing cheerful voice quite near at hand, “to ask Dr. McHibbert why if he considers that metaphysic is of no use in a man’s life, he finds it worth while , to pursue such a fruitless study?”
“ Don’t answer ” said the woman in clear penetrating tones.
“Don’t answer; don’t answer,” repeated in the immediate neighbourhood two or three masculine voices. The lecturer, sitting bent forward, his friendly open brow yielded up to the invading audience, his big hands clasped capaciously between his knees, sent a blue glance swiftly in her direction, hesitated a moment, and then sat silent, smiling broadly down at his clasped hands.
“Isn’t he a perfect darling ,” murmured Miriam while the chairman declared the lecture open for discussion and she gathered herself together for close attention.