'That is very singular,' mused Longworth. 'Well, all I can say is, Melville has intimated that he should like to have a share in this mine, so, I take it, he and the manager do not agree as to the value of the mineral. You can set down Mr. Melville's name with perfect confidence. I know him very well, and I know that he's a thorough man of business. Besides, it will be a great advantage to have a man connected with the china trade in with us.' There was no denying this point, so Wentworth said nothing more. Longworth named five other persons, none of whom Wentworth knew. Then he closed his note-book and put it in his pocket. 'The question now is: Have these gentlemen stated how much they will subscribe?' asked Wentworth. 'No, they have not. Of course, everything will depend on how they are impressed with what we can tell them. The great thing is to get men who are willing even to listen to you. The rest depends on the inducements you offer.' 'Do you expect to get any more men interested?' 'I don't think any more are needed. The best thing to do now is to get those we have together and summon our solicitors here. Then our friend Kenyon, who is a fluent speaker, can lay the case before them.' Kenyon, who had not spoken at all during the interview, did not even look up, and apparently did not hear the satirical allusion to his eloquence. 'Very well; when would be a good time to call this meeting?' 'As soon as possible, I think,' said Longworth. 'What do you say to Monday, at three o'clock? Men come from lunch about that hour, and are in a good humour. If you send out a letter saying a meeting will be held here in the directors' room at three o'clock, prompt, on Monday, I will see the men and get them to come. Of course they are generally busy, and may have other appointments; still, we must do something, and nothing can be done until we get them together.' 'Right; the invitations to the meeting shall be sent out at once.' Longworth rose, went to the desk and picked up a paper. 'What is this?' he said. Kenyon looked up suddenly. 'That,' he said, flushing slightly, 'is our first subscription.' 'Who wrote the name of Miss Edith Longworth here?' 'The young lady herself.' 'Has she been here?' 'She called, and desired to be the first subscriber.' 'Nonsense!' cried Longworth, with a frown; 'we don't want any women in this business;' and, saying that, he tore the paper in two. Kenyon clenched his fist and was about to say something, when Wentworth's hand came down on his shoulder. 'I don't think I would refuse ten thousands pounds,' said Wentworth, 'from anybody who offered it, woman or man. Perhaps we had better see whether your men will subscribe as much before we throw away a subscription already received.' 'But she hasn't the ten thousand pounds.'