“Madam President! Madam President!” resounded from several points at once. Madam Weatherstone--Mrs. Thaddler--no! yes--they really were both on their feet. Applause was going on--irregularly--soon dropped. Only, from the group in the gallery it was whole-hearted and consistent. Mrs. Dankshire, who had been growing red and redder as the paper advanced, who had conferred in alarmed whispers with Mrs. Ree, and Miss Massing, who had even been seen to extend her hand to the gavel and finger it threateningly, now rose, somewhat precipitately, and came forward. “Order, please! You will please keep order. You have heard the--we will now--the meeting is now open for discussion, Mrs. Thaddler!” And she sat down. She meant to have said Madam Weatherstone, by Mrs. Thaddler was more aggressive. “I wish to say,” said that much beaded lady in a loud voice, “that I was against this--unfortunate experiment--from the first. And I trust it will never be repeated!” She sat down. Two tight little dimples flickered for an instant about the corners of Diantha's mouth. “Madam Weatherstone?” said the President, placatingly. Madam Weatherstone arose, rather sulkily, and looked about her. An agitated assembly met her eye, buzzing universally each to each. “Order!” said Mrs. Dankshire, “ORDER, please!” and rapped three times with the gavel. “I have attended many meetings, in many clubs, in many states,” said Madam Weatherstone, “and have heard much that was foolish, and some things that were dangerous. But I will say that never in the course of all my experience have I heard anything so foolish and so dangerous, as this. I trust that the--doubtless well meant--attempt to throw light on this subject--from the wrong quarter--has been a lesson to us all. No club could survive more than one such lamentable mistake!” And she sat down, gathering her large satin wrap about her like a retiring Caesar. “Madam President!” broke forth Miss Eagerson. “I was up first--and have been standing ever since--” “One moment, Miss Eagerson,” said Mrs. Dankshire superbly, “The Rev. Dr. Eltwood.” If Mrs. Dankshire supposed she was still further supporting the cause of condemnation she made a painful mistake. The cloth and the fine bearing of the young clergyman deceived her; and she forgot that he was said to be “advanced” and was new to the place. “Will you come to the platform, Dr. Eltwood?” Dr. Eltwood came to the platform with the easy air of one to whom platforms belonged by right. “Ladies,” he began in tones of cordial good will, “both employer and employed!--and gentlemen--whom I am delighted to see here to-day! I am grateful for the opportunity so graciously extended to me”--he bowed six feet of black broadcloth toward Mrs. Dankshire--“by your honored President.