time for me to get ready to walk to Mrs. Fermoy's. I am going to have tea there, and afterwards Ina is to take me to hear the speeches."
CHAPTER XVII.
IN THE LADIES' GALLERY.
The Ladies' Gallery was crowded. It had been set about that Blake was an orator, that his speech would be a stirring one, and already the picturesque personality of the man had impressed Leichardt's Town society. Besides this, it was known that Frank Hallett would move the Address, and people were interested in Frank Hallett as a coming minister.
There is no tiresome grating in front of the Ladies' Gallery in Colonial Houses of Parliament, and any member who chose to look up might have easily recognized the stolid features of Lady Garfit and the placid pink and white prettiness of her daughter, and just behind, they might have seen Ina Gage's delicate, rather pensive face, Miss Minnie Pryde's black eyes and brunette complexion, and Elsie Valliant's more distinguished beauty. Both Blake and Frank Hallett did look up, and Elsie noted the different bearing of the two men, each of whom was to make his maiden effort in that assembly. Frank was evidently nervous-grave, absorbed, and hiding embarrassment under a mask of reserve. Blake was indifferent, unconcerned, always giving a sense of latent power, always with a certain kingliness of bearing, and at the same time a certain dare-devilry of which Elsie was keenly conscious. It seemed to her that his eyes sought hers, and that his face changed ever so slightly when their glances met. Her heart was beating strangely. She gave a violent start when Frank Hallett's voice sounded behind her.
"Are you quite comfortable?" he asked.
"Yes, quite, thank you," she answered.
