The greetings over, the meeting of the club and its possibilities became the subject of discussion.
"Why can't you join us, Lord Kelwin?" questioned the host.
"Yes, why not?" said Esther, with sudden animation.
Kenneth Hastings' face darkened.
"Ah—I—well—" stammered Lord Kelwin. "I didn't suppose my services—ah—would—ah—would be agreeable to the teacher,"—and he looked first at Esther Bright, and then at Kenneth Hastings.
A single, hectic flush suddenly appeared in one of Esther's cheeks. Then Mr. Clayton spoke.
"You do not seem to understand, Lord Kelwin, that Miss Bright's class has grown so rapidly she has had to have assistance, and Mr. Hastings and I, for lack of better material, have been pressed into service. Come, yourself, and you'll want to help the good work on." Lord Kelwin raised his monocle.
Esther spoke quickly, with more enthusiasm than usual.
"The girls have been seeking the same opportunity we are giving the men. They need help just as much, and so we must plan to help them too!"
"Yes, and kill yourself!" growled Kenneth Hastings.