For a special reason, however, their attention was excited by the rising of Professor Walsh, who represented the science of Physics.
Early in the present year had been published a speculative treatise which, owing to its supposed incompatibility with Christian dogmas, provoked much controversy and was largely discussed in all educated circles.

The work was anonymous, but a rumour which gained general currency attributed it to Professor Walsh.

In the year 1874 an imputation of religious heresy was not lightly to be incurred by a Professor--even Professor of Physics--at an English college.

There were many people in Kingsmill who considered that Mr.Walsh's delay in repudiating so grave a charge rendered very doubtful the propriety of his retaining the chair at Whitelaw.

Significant was the dispersed applause which followed slowly upon his stepping forward to-day; on the Professor's face was perchance legible something like a hint of amused defiance.