Part 75 (2/2)

Miss Eagerson was on her feet. So were others.

”Madam President! Madam President!” resounded from several points at once. Madam Weatherstone--Mrs. Thaddler--no! yes--they really were both on their feet. Applause was going on--irregularly--soon dropped. Only, from the group in the gallery it was whole-hearted and consistent.

Mrs. Danks.h.i.+re, who had been growing red and redder as the paper advanced, who had conferred in alarmed whispers with Mrs. Ree, and Miss Ma.s.sing, who had even been seen to extend her hand to the gavel and finger it threateningly, now rose, somewhat precipitately, and came forward.

”Order, please! You will please keep order. You have heard the--we will now--the meeting is now open for discussion, Mrs. Thaddler!” And she sat down. She meant to have said Madam Weatherstone, by Mrs.

Thaddler was more aggressive.

”I wish to say,” said that much beaded lady in a loud voice, ”that I was against this--unfortunate experiment--from the first. And I trust it will never be repeated!” She sat down.

Two tight little dimples flickered for an instant about the corners of Diantha's mouth.

”Madam Weatherstone?” said the President, placatingly.

Madam Weatherstone arose, rather sulkily, and looked about her. An agitated a.s.sembly met her eye, buzzing universally each to each.

”Order!” said Mrs. Danks.h.i.+re, ”ORDER, please!” and rapped three times with the gavel.

”I have attended many meetings, in many clubs, in many states,” said Madam Weatherstone, ”and have heard much that was foolish, and some things that were dangerous. But I will say that never in the course of all my experience have I heard anything so foolish and so dangerous, as this. I trust that the--doubtless well meant--attempt to throw light on this subject--from the wrong quarter--has been a lesson to us all. No club could survive more than one such lamentable mistake!” And she sat down, gathering her large satin wrap about her like a retiring Caesar.

”Madam President!” broke forth Miss Eagerson. ”I was up first--and have been standing ever since--”

”One moment, Miss Eagerson,” said Mrs. Danks.h.i.+re superbly, ”The Rev. Dr.

Eltwood.”

If Mrs. Danks.h.i.+re supposed she was still further supporting the cause of condemnation she made a painful mistake. The cloth and the fine bearing of the young clergyman deceived her; and she forgot that he was said to be ”advanced” and was new to the place.

”Will you come to the platform, Dr. Eltwood?”

Dr. Eltwood came to the platform with the easy air of one to whom platforms belonged by right.

”Ladies,” he began in tones of cordial good will, ”both employer and employed!--and gentlemen--whom I am delighted to see here to-day! I am grateful for the opportunity so graciously extended to me”--he bowed six feet of black broadcloth toward Mrs. Danks.h.i.+re--”by your honored President.

”And I am grateful for the opportunity previously enjoyed, of listening to the most rational, practical, wise, true and hopeful words I have ever heard on this subject. I trust there will be enough open-minded women--and men--in Orchardina to make possible among us that higher business development of a great art which has been so convincingly laid before us. This club is deserving of all thanks from the community for extending to so many the privilege of listening to our valued fellow-citizen--Miss Bell.”

He bowed again--to Miss Bell--and to Mrs. Danks.h.i.+re, and resumed his seat, Miss Eagerson taking advantage of the dazed pause to occupy the platform herself.

”Mr. Eltwood is right!” she said. ”Miss Bell is right! This is the true presentation of the subject, 'by one who knows.' Miss Bell has p.r.i.c.ked our pretty bubble so thoroughly that we don't know where we're standing--but she knows! Housework is a business--like any other business--I've always said so, and it's got to be done in a business way. Now I for one--” but Miss Eagerson was rapped down by the Presidential gavel; as Mrs. Thaddler, portentous and severe, stalked forward.

”It is not my habit to make public speeches,” she began, ”nor my desire; but this is a time when prompt and decisive action needs to be taken.

This Club cannot afford to countenance any such farrago of mischievous nonsense as we have heard to-day. I move you, Madam President, that a resolution of condemnation be pa.s.sed at once; and the meeting then dismissed!”

She stalked back again, while Mrs. Marrow of Boston, in clear, cold tones seconded the motion.

But another voice was heard--for the first time in that a.s.sembly--Mrs.

Weatherstone, the pretty, delicate widower daughter-in-law of Madam Weatherstone, was on her feet with ”Madam President! I wish to speak to this motion.”

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