He placed him in a comfortable chair, and waited in attentive attitude for an explanation of the call.

Mr.Wykes lost no time in making known his business; he told what had happened at the Institute, and respectfully begged for Mr.Quarrier's aid in averting disappointment on the next evening.
"I am sure, sir, that your appearance on our platform would give very general pleasure.

I should have time to post announcements here and there.

We should have a splendid hall." "The deuce! But, Mr.Wykes, it is no such simple matter to prepare a lecture in four-and-twenty hours.

What am I to talk about ?" "Any subject, sir, that would be of interest to a wide-awake audience.
If I might suggest, there are your travels, for instance.