Page:Restless Earth.djvu/140

interest. Nos. 1 and 3 to 7 Committees (inclusive) interrupted their deliberations and looked enquiringly. In a few moments most of the other people in the theatre were looking in the direction of No. 2 Committee. For Mrs. Langham had intended that she should be heard, and now sat waiting for the general attention which she considered she merited.

She knew that the low-bred girl before her was spoiling for a fight. She realised that her reference to Harley had stung the girl to recklessness. She welcomed fhis opportunity to publicly repay the insolence and pin-sticking of this bold creature who cared nothing for her own reputation and that of the town upon which she had sprung from some mysterious and doubtful past.

“Good-night, Miss Weybourn,” she repeated, as the girl made no move to go. “You will excuse me, I’m sure, but I have some private business to transact with my committee.”

“Pardon me, Mrs. Langham,” replied Patricia with equal distinctness, “I fail to see what private business you can have with a committee engaged on national affairs.”

“Really, Miss Weybourn, your attitude and persistence are wearing. I have told you that we cannot use your services. I have thanked you for the offer———.”

“You have no right to refuse my services———.”

“This is a New Plymouth effort, Miss Weybourn, since you insist upon the reason of our refusal, and the Committee feels it is right to refuse the help of—ah—outsiders.”

Immediately she had spoken Mrs, Langham knew that she had blundered, for there were murmurs of protest in every direction. She heard someone on the stage mention snobs. One of the elderly subdued men on her committee had the temerity to click his tongue deprecatingly. Too late she remembered that the girl had the advantage of youth and a very decided beauty, and that most men,