“Yes, it ought to be grand,” I said, “a grand meeting, the grandest meeting we’ve ever had,” and I remember putting my head out of the right-hand window and inviting the passers-by to come and join us. “Yes, there’s no doubt of it,” I said, “it’ll be a grand meeting, a grand, grand meeting, grander and grander.” “As grand as grand,” said the naval officer. “Yes, and grander than that,” I said, “ever so grand.” Then I started a hymn just to clear my chest again, and finding, to my satisfaction, that it was surprisingly supple, I led my companions through chorus after chorus of a brisk but devotional character. Indeed we were in the middle of one when we arrived at the Drill Hall, and so intent had I become on the music that I unfortunately tripped as I alighted upon the pavement and struck my abdomen rather violently. Two of Miss Moonbeam’s brothers, however, who were waiting to receive us, at once readjusted me upon my legs, while the naval officer came to their assistance in conducting me to my chair upon the platform. Nor had I been in error in foreseeing an audience that filled the hall to its utmost capacity, Miss Moonbeam herself and several of her companions being audibly recognized on their way to their seats. Many of our members, too, in different parts of the hall, were standing on their feet, I noticed, to give me a personal welcome; and no sooner had I hailed these in affectionate terms than others took their places to be hailed in turn. So prolonged, in fact, did these greetings become, and to such a pitch of heartiness did they climb, that Ezekiel’s own arrival upon the platform, accompanied by Mr. Chrysostom Lorton, was scarcely noticed. That was probably the reason, I inferred, why his expression was almost less pleasant than I had ever known it, and why he obviously resented the attentions of Miss Moonbeam’s brothers, who were still standing, one on each side of me. Mr. Chrysostom, too, seemed curiously distant, I thought, as I swung round and clasped his hand, although I assured him, in tones that rang through the hall, of my intense delight at his presence. “Simply overwhelmed,” I said, “simply overwhelmed, Mr. Chrysostom. Let me introduce you to Miss Moonbeam. Miss Moonbeam, Mr. Chrysostom Lorton. Mr. Chrysostom Lorton, Miss Moonbeam.” Then I turned to the audience with a great shout. “Three cheers,” I cried, “for Mr. Chrysostom Lorton. Hip—hip——” But Ezekiel held up his hand. “I propose to open this meeting,” he said, “with prayer.” For a moment I was staggered. Indeed I almost fell down. It was the directest insult I had ever received. And it was not only an insult to myself, but to Mr. Chrysostom, who was deprived of his cheers.