Page:Robert Barr - Lord Stranleigh Philanthropist.djvu/126

 Stranleigh, at such a hall, and at such an hour, will address the public on the present political crisis."

Blake, who knew more than Stranleigh about political gatherings, protested against this plan, and the moment it became public all Stranleigh's friends wrote, telegraphed, telephoned, and endeavoured to see him and convince him of his folly, but without avail. No one would consent to be chairman, nor even to sit on the platform with him, so the chairs were cleared away, and the packed audience, just on the hour of eight, saw appear before them a well-set-up, good-natured looking young man, arrayed most becomingly in a fashionable evening suit.

At first there was a Homeric burst of laughter, and then a roar, as if all the African animals Roosevelt had met gave simultaneous voice. Stranleigh stood there smiling, waiting for the hubbub to cease, but it grew louder and louder. Had the young nobleman been better versed in testing the temper of a public meeting, he would have recognised the ominous signs which indicated there was soon to be a tremendous row. His cool demeanour seemed to infuriate the huge audience, and most uncomplimentary epithets were hurled at him from all sides.