The first seven shall be elected by separate and majority ballot, and the others shall be appointed by the Worthy Matron. MEETINGS. The meetings of a Chapter are either regular or special. Regular meetings are those held at stated intervals as prescribed by its By-laws. Special meetings are those held by appointment of the Worthy Matron or other lawful authority. QUORUM. Seven members, including one of the first three officers, shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless the By-laws of the Chapter shall prescribe a larger number. PETITIONS. A petition for the degrees or membership must be signed by the petitioner and two members of the Chapter, who recommend the petitioner. The petition must be received at a regular meeting of the Chapter, unless the Grand Chapter of its jurisdiction shall otherwise provide; and when received, must be referred to a committee of three members, one of whom shall be a brother, appointed by the presiding officer. The committee can only report at a regular meeting. THE BALLOT. The ballot upon petitions for the degrees or membership, can only be taken at a regular meeting. The Associate Conductress shall have charge of the ballot-box, under the direction of the Worthy Matron. After it has been examined by the Worthy Matron and Associate Matron, she shall present it to the Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron for their ballot, and may carry it to every member present--or _may_ place it upon the Altar. If placed upon the Altar, every member entitled to a vote shall approach the Altar from the West, between Ruth and Esther, make the sign of salutation, deposit their ballot, leaving between Esther and Martha. The member balloting must be at least three paces in advance of the one who directly follows. When all have voted, the Worthy Matron shall declare the ballot closed, and direct the Associate Conductress to bear the ballot box West and East. After it has been examined by the Associate Matron, the Matron will ask: _W. M._ Sister Associate Matron. _A. M._ Worthy Matron. _W. M._ How is the ballot in the West? The Associate Matron will say: _A. M._ The ballot is clear, (or not clear,) Worthy Matron. After the W. M. has inspected it, and no black balls appear, she will say: _W. M._ The ballot being clear in the East, I have the pleasure to inform you that you have elected ---- to receive the degrees, (or become a member,) in this Chapter. If the ballot is not clear, but so nearly so that the result may have been from mistake, a second and final ballot may be ordered. If the final ballot is dark, the W. M. will say: _W. M._ The ballot not being clear, I have to announce that the petition of ---- is rejected. MEMBERSHIP.