Catcalls were frequent from the corners, and the back of the hall became aggressive.

The girl had sat with white, pained face, understanding little save that Lewis was talking nonsense and losing all grip on his hearers.

In spite of herself she was contrasting this fiasco with the pithy words of Mr.
Stocks.

When the meeting became unruly she looked for some display of character, some proof of power.

Mr.Stocks would have fiercely cowed the opposition, or at least have spoken the last word in any quarrel.
Lewis's conduct was different.