Each delivers his opinion over the social glass, or between the deliberate puffs of his cigar or pipe.

The drinking is extremely moderate, the smoking not quite so temperate; but neither the glass nor the cigar are the real attractions.

It is the common hall--the informal place of meeting.
It is here that, the real government of the town is planned--the mere formal resolutions voted in the ancient council-room are the outcome of the open talk, and the quiet whisper here.

No matter what subject is to the front, the question is always heard--What will 'he' do?
What will 'he' say to it?
The Volunteers compete for prizes which 'he' offers.

The cottage hospital; the flower show; the cattle show, or agricultural exhibition; the new market buildings arose through his subscriptions and influence; the artesian well, sunk that the town might have the best of water, was bored at his expense; and so on through the whole list of town affairs.