The subject of this conversation—which took place in the Committee Room of the Teetotal Union, in Aldersgate Street, City—stood in an outer chamber, gravely contemplative. All that Mr. Bottle, the Secretary, had urged in favour of his dignified demeanour, was quite justified by his appearance. But the reflections of Alderman Lamb, the President, were also to a great extent borne out by what little of him was visible to the naked eye. Indeed, the remarkable man was a trifle more than soiled. He was very dirty. He might be described as an old-young man. He had curly grey hair, thin and rather distinguished features, a small nervous hand, an imperturbable solemnity of expression, and a dignity of pose worthy the immortal Mr. Turveydrop.
At the bidding of the Secretary, he re-entered the sanctum of the President, to whom he bowed low and impressively. He sat in the chair offered to him, and looked at Mr. Lamb as though he would have said to that worthy Alderman and Spectacle Maker, “Will you have your case disposed of now, or do you wish it sent to the Assizes?”
“Our Mr. Bottle,” began the President, as Mr. Browley, the remarkable man, bowed condescendingly to that functionary, “our Mr. Bottle suggests that you should temporarily fill the place of one of our regular lecturers. A lecture is announced for to-morrow night at the Temperance Hall, New Cut. The remuneration is small—two pounds, in fact. Will you accept the offer?”
“Sir,” replied Mr. Browley, in solemn tones, “you honour me. I accept.”
“I,” went on the Alderman, “will be in the chair.”
“You overwhelm me with honours,” replied Mr. Browley, with another obeisance.
“And may I ask,” said the President, “the title of your lecture?”
“With pleasure, sir. Indeed, you have a right to know. I call it an Oration. It is entitled, ‘The Demon Drink.’”
“Capital, capital,” said the Alderman, rubbing his hands as if relishing the idea of being made personally acquainted with the Demon in question; “and you won’t forget the hour—eight o’clock at the Temperance Hall. Good-bye, Mr. Browley; glad to have made your acquaintance.”
But Mr. Browley made no motion of withdrawal. With a slight movement of the right hand he signalled that he was about to speak.