How was he to fill up a mortal hour with coherent talk when he had not command of one phrase?
He had often reproved himself for temerity, and now the weakness had brought its punishment.

What possessed him to run into such a----?
The chairman had risen and was speaking.

"Pleasure -- -- -- introduce -- -- -- Mr.Denzil Quarrier, -- -- -- not unknown to many of you -- -- -- almost at a moment's notice -- -- -- much indebted -- -- -- " An outbreak of applause, and then dead silence.

The ticking of the clock became audible.

Some external force took hold upon him, lifted him from the chair, and impelled him a few steps forward.