the authorisation under which you proceeded to build your cottages."
"It has distressed me to learn, Mr. Chairman, that through an unfortunate misunderstanding between my agent and my architect the plans were not submitted to you as they should have been. I assure you, whatever your decision may be, that no disrespect was intended towards your honourable body, and I hope you will accept an expression of my profound regret for such, as you might term it, inexcusable negligence. This failure to comply with the conditions of the law has caused me so much dissatisfaction that I am here in person to apologise, when I could perhaps have sent my agent, my architect, or my solicitor."
The mention of the word "solicitor" brought Mr. Paul Timmins to his feet. As clerk to the Council he could not vote, but was permitted to speak.
"That's all very well, Lord Stranleigh," he said, "but your agent has already been down here trying to threaten us."
"Not threaten you, I hope, sir," protested Stranleigh, mildly.
"Well, he attempted to show very eloquently that it would be to our advantage to conform with your lordship's wishes, and I daresay if he had succeeded we wouldn't have seen you here to-day. You must know, my lord, that before the law all men are equal, and we cannot treat you any dif-
