"The question has been raised of keeping the College open on Saturday afternoons. There is plenty of evidence that, if we did so, we should get quite a number of town pupils. The early closing of the shops would bring us various shop employees, who are only too anxious to give an hour or two of their spare time to learning. That, I believe, applies especially to the shorthand and typewriting classes. The other subjects, of course, have always been in less demand. The number of students is easily covered by the evening classes on Tuesday and Fridays for such subjects as accountancy, for instance, or French. The question is, therefore, whether it would not be worth while to arrange for a later closing on Saturdays, so as to hold a weekly class for beginners in shorthand and typing."
Sir Julian paused and Fairfax Fuller said eagerly:
"I could engage for our having five pupils, straight off the reel, sir. I actually hold that number of applications."
"Excellent," said the Alderman, from the head of the table.
"Ah!" breathed Lady Rossiter. "One would be so glad and proud, I feel that too, very strongly—to help lay the foundation of knowledge—of that efficiency which is to build up the forces of our Empire. After all, it is the class we are trying to reach that is the very backbone of the country."
The irrelevant diatribes to which Lady Rossiter was almost invariably moved by a General Committee meeting contributed in no small measure to her husband's distaste for them.
He looked straight in front of him and addressed the chairman.
"The whole question, of course, hinges on the staff available. Miss Marchrose and Mr. Fuller are of opinion that it could be arranged, but before approaching any of the teachers, it was thought desirable to get the committee's opinion."
"The question being," ponderously repeated the old Alderman, looking round the table, "the question being, whether or not the College is to open on Saturday afternoons for a special shorthand and typing course."
"I have here a scheme," began Fuller eagerly, but Lady Rossiter's clear voice interrupted him.