Over the busy market-place the notes go forth, and presently the hum comes back and dwells in the recess of the window.

It is a full hour after the time fixed, and now at last, as the carillon finishes, there are sounds of heavy boots upon the staircase.

Three or four farmers gather on the landing; they converse together just outside.

The secretary's clerk comes, and walks to the table; more farmers, who, now they have company, boldly enter and take seats; still more farmers; the secretary arrives; finally the president appears, and with him the lecturer.

There is a hum of greeting; the minutes are read; the president introduces the professor, and the latter stands forth to read his paper--'Science, the Remedy for Agricultural Depression.' Farmers, he pointed out, had themselves only to blame for the present period of distress.