Resonance of applause rewarded the sparkling rhetorician.

A few of the audience availed themselves of the noise to withdraw, for the clock showed that it was close upon ten, and public-houses shut their doors early on Sunday.
But Richard Mutimer was on his feet again, and this time without regard to effect; there was a word in him strongly demanding utterance.

It was to the speech of the unfortunate prophet that he desired to reply.

He began with sorrowful admissions.

No one speaking honestly could deny that--that the working class had its faults; they came out plainly enough now and then.