"Of course, if you make the rule long enough," said Purkis, with lofty contempt, "you can get something in it about the man in the moon." "But," said I, thinking to make a little joke, just to show I had no ill-feeling, "we don't want him in the club, do we?" "No," said Langrish, who had evidently been on the look-out for his chance; "no more do we want pretty Sarah's washerwoman; do we, you chaps?" I subsided gracefully. The time was not yet ripe, evidently, for me to assert myself. "I tell you what," said Warminster; "what's the use of every one making each rule? Let old Purkis make the first, and I'll make the second, and Langrish the third, and so on. It will be ever so much quicker, and give each chap a fair innings." It seemed a good idea, and as it allowed Purkis's rule to stand unchallenged, he acquiesced. So in due time the following wonderful code of rules was drawn up and adopted-- 1. That this club be called the Low Heath Conversation Club. (Purkis.) 2. That the object of the club be and are periodical picnics and meetings for the discussion of philosophy, etcetera. (Warminster.) There was some debate as to whether the ninth word should be "is" or "are." But "are," as agreeing with the plural, was carried by a large majority. 3. That each member bring his own grub, _alias_ provisions. (Trimble.) 4. That no day boy be eligible on to the club. (Langrish.) 5. That any member breaking the rules is hereby expelled. (Coxhead.) 6. That the subscription be two shillings a term, payable in advance. (Jones.) Warminster was anxious for consistency's sake to add the words "and are" after "be," but was overruled. After which we honourably drew lots for the various posts of emolument and honour in connection with the club. To my surprise I was drawn for president. At first I was disposed to disclaim the honour on account of my youth and inexperience. But my fellow-Philosophers assured me that was no excuse, and that my name would undoubtedly "draw." I did not exactly see how, but they were probably better judges than I; and perhaps as an exhib-- No, I was bound to keep that dark. At any rate, it would be a nice thing to be able to write home to my mother, that on the day of my arrival I had been appointed president of the Philosophical Conversation Club, with a right to add the initials P.L.H.C.C. after my name. It sounded well, and would give me a better footing in Low Heath than my tan boots. Langrish was drawn for treasurer, and Purkis for secretary; while, to obviate any cause for jealousy, Trimble was selected as auditor, Warminster as librarian, and Coxhead as registrar.