Railsford, to the regret perhaps of some of his friends, presently walked across and took a seat beside him, and the meeting began.
"Before we come to business," began Mr Roe, who by virtue of his seniority occupied the chair, "I am sure the meeting would wish me to express their pleasure at seeing Mr Railsford among us for the first time, and to offer him a hearty welcome to Grandcourt." "Hear, hear," said Grover and others, amongst whom Mr Bickers's voice was conspicuous.
Railsford felt uncomfortable thus to become an object of general notice, and coloured up as he nodded his acknowledgments to the chairman.
"They do not know of your scrape," said monsieur, cheerfully.

"I would tell them about it, my good friend, before Meester Beekaire makes his little speech." Railsford glared round at his companion, and felt his heart thumping at the prospect of the task before him.
"There are one or two matters," began Mr Roe, "to bring before--" Railsford rose to his feet and said, "Mr Roe, and gentlemen--" There was a dead silence at this unexpected interruption, broken only by an encouraging cheer from Mr Bickers.
Supposing the new master was about to acknowledge the compliment just paid him by a set speech, Mr Roe put down his agenda paper and said, "Mr Railsford." "If you will allow me," began Mark, rather breathlessly, "I would like to refer to a matter which personally concerns myself.

I should not venture to do it in this way, immediately after your kind welcome, if I did not feel it to be my duty.

Yesterday, gentlemen, an unfortunate incident occurred in my house--( `Hear, hear,' and a smile from Mr Bickers).

I went--" "Excuse me," said the chairman, "may I explain to Mr Railsford, as he is a new member here, that our practice is invariably to take up any questions in order of the seniority of the masters present.