Shirley opened the business and showed the plan.
"I know the hand which drew up that," said Mr. Hall, glancing at Miss Ainley, and smiling benignantly. His approbation was won at once. Boultby heard and deliberated with bent brow and protruded under lip. His consent he considered too weighty to be given in a hurry. Helstone glanced sharply round with an alert, suspicious expression, as if he apprehended that female craft was at work, and that something in petticoats was somehow trying underhand to acquire too much influence, and make itself of too much importance. Shirley caught and comprehended the expression. "This scheme is nothing," said she carelessly. "It is only an outline--a mere suggestion. You, gentlemen, are requested to draw up rules of your own."

Shirley opened the business and showed the plan.
"I know the hand which drew that up," said Mr. Hall, glancing at Miss Ainley, and smiling. Boultby heard and deliberated with protruded under lip. His consent he considered too weighty to be given in a hurry. Helstone glanced sharply round with an alert, suspicious expression, as if he felt that something in petticoats was somehow trying underhand to acquire too much influence, and make itself important.
Shirley caught and comprehended the expression. "This scheme is nothing," said she carelessly. "It is only an outline - a mere suggestion. You, gentlemen, are requested to draw up your own rules."
