The only
personal note that came to him was a request that he would not fail to
be present at the meeting of the Gentlemen's Club that evening, as there
was important business to transact.
He sat with this message in his hand, considering. He had for some time
felt uneasy about his continuance in the Club, for its social
regulations were strict and limited. Composed mostly of the landed
gentry in the neighborhood, it had very slowly and reluctantly opened
its doors to a few of the most wealthy manufacturers, and Harry's
appearance as a public and professional singer negatived his right to
its exclusive membership. In case Harry was asked to resign, John would
certainly withdraw with his brother. Yet the mere thought of such a
social humiliation troubled him.
When the mail was attended to be rose quickly, shook himself, as if he
would shake off the trouble that oppressed him, and went through the
mill with Greenwood. This duty he performed with such minute attention
that the overseer privately wondered whatever was the matter with
"Master John," but soon settled the question, by a decision that "he hed
been worried by his wife a bit, and it hed put him all out of gear, and
no wonder.
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