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136 rest of the Council were more or less important inhabitants of the place, with the exception of two stalwart farmers whose garb proclaimed their occupation, both of whom Stranleigh afterwards learned were tenants of his own. Neither the chairman nor the members gave any greeting to Stranleigh when he entered, but went on gravely with the business before them. It was well to let this whippersnapper of the aristocracy, an absentee landlord at that, know of how little importance he was to the real working world. So the young man waited with great patience, hat in hand, and roll under his arm, until the Town Hall clock struck eleven. When the last reverberation of the last bell-note had ceased, his lordship ventured to speak.

"Mr. Chairman, I have come down from London especially to attend this meeting of your board. My name is Stranleigh. If you would have the kindness to let me know at what hour you could listen to my explanation regarding the cottages I have caused to be erected in this neighbourhood I shall be delighted to return at any moment that suits your convenience."

There was an impressive silence for a minute or two, then the stout chairman spoke with great solemnity.

"I don't know that we can listen to any explanation, Lord Stranleigh. What we wish to see (and we wrote to you requesting its production), is