Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-09

nation lies in the rugged but honest peo-
pie of the great west, who gave Lincoln
to the nation and the nation to Liberty"
There was q glitter of excitement in the
woman's eyes, but she spoke in low, mo-
notonous tones. Evelyn thought for a
moment that this was conscious hyper
bole but Miss Morris aspect of unrelent-
ing severity undeceived her. Something
seemed to be expected of her, and Evelyn
said:
THAT is all very true, but, you know,
they say down east that we are far too
thoroughly persuaded Of our greatness
and brag too much"
But" continued Miss Morris, they are
coming to us more and more for states
men. Look at literature! See what our
western writer's are doing! The most
vital books we are now producing are
written west of the Alleghanies"
You know Miss Norris is a writer
interrupted Mrs. Atherton. I'VE should
say Doctor Norris" she continued, with
rising infection on the title-"not an
NJ. D. Miss Morris is a doctor Of phi
| losophy."
M noh;% said Evelyn. What college. DR.
THE University of North Dakota" with
emphasis on the university. Il had in
tended going to Heidelberg, but felt that
we loyal Americans should patronize
| home institutions. The choruses of Eu-
! ripides may ring as grandly on our west
ern plains as in Athens itself" she added
with finality. She enunciated with great
care and seemed terribly in earnest to
Evelyn, who felt an uncomfortable desire
to laugh. But there was, she now mag
1ned, something back Of all this, and she
waited patiently for its unfolding The
denouement was. she hoped, near at hand.
for Miss Morris moved her eyeglasses
higher up on her nose and appeared even
more formidable than before.
.! have heard that great emphasis is
economy. You must be very anxious
to make practical use of your KNOWLEDGE -
continued Miss Morris
Evelyn recalled guiltily her cuts in these
studies.
Carlyle or somebody"-she was afraid to
quote before doctor of philosophy, and
thought 1t wise to give a vague citation
calls political economy the dismal science,
and I'm afraid l have looked at 1t little
bit that way myself" She smiled hope
fully. but Miss Morris did not relax her
severity.
Civic responsibility rests on women as
strongly as on men; even more So" de-
clared Miss Morris.
well, 1 think we ought to do what we
can" assented Evelyn.
Now, our local council has been doing a
great deal toward improving the sanitation
Of Clarkson."
'Oh yes" exclaimed Mrs. Wingate from
her corner.
In the community should lend her aid to all
the causes of the local council"
"Yes?" said Evelyn, rather weakly. She
felt that the plot was thickening. II really
know very little of such things, but"
The but" was highly equtvocal
And we are very anxious to get repre-
sentative on the school board" continued
Miss Morris The election is In November
Has 1t ever occurred to you how perfectly
absurd 1t is for men to conduct our educa-
tional affairs when the schools are properly
a branch Of the home and should be admin
istered In part at least, by women?" She
punctuated her talk so that her commas
and silent lady. approved this more or less
inarticulately.
II know there's a great deal in that" said
Evelyn.
"And we the executive committee of the
council, have been directed to ask you
Mrs. Wingate and Mrs. Anterior moved
nervously in their seats. but Miss Morris
now spoke with more elaboration and with
pedagogic care of her pronunciation-"to
become candidate for the school board"
Evelyn felt cold chill creeping over her,
and swallowed hard in an effort to summon
some word to meet this shock.
Your social position" continued Miss
Morris volubly, "and the prestige which
you as bachelor of arts have brought
home from college make you a most natu-
raj candidate"
DESTINY really seems to be pointing to
you." said Mrs. Anterior, with coaxing
sweetness In her tone.
'Oh. but couldn't think of itr exclaim-
ed Evelyn. recovering her courage. II