Willmar tribune., 1903-05-16
up into little groups of talk between

up into little groups of talk between
two or four.
John Gordon talked with Miss Grams
ton on a variety Of topics, but did not
introduce any mention of his own
work. Mrs. Penrose, who sat at his
right, once or twice alluded to Cor
don's residence at Hope House, but he
answered briefly and at once reverted
to something else. Evidently he did
not intend to be drawn into any dis
cussion or description of his work
Mrs. Penrose was too shrewd as well
as too courteous to insist in asking
questions she plainly saw were not
agreeable.
Every well, she said good naturedly.
not roar in the presence Of this au-
dience will you favor me some time
with what l am dying to know? 1t is
not idle curiosity" she added in a
lower tone. Il really am interested in
your plans. I want to help"
Gordon looked up at her quickly.
The thought of what this woman, with
do if she would to bring life and light
into the dead, dark places of the city
kindled his imagination. 1t was an
other ray Of hope to place alongside
Mrs. Ehngham's letters.
'"Thank you" he said gratefully. II
will come and talk it over with YOU"
AS he finished and turned his face
again toward Miss Cranston he en-
countered Luella's glance. She in,
stantly looked down. Once again, to-
ward the close of the dinner, Gordon
intercepted her look as it swept past
all the guests and stayed just a mo-
ment with him.
Just how it all happened John Cor
don never knew. The last course had
been served. There was the inevitable
settling back Of people who had sue
cessfully observed one of the rites of
polite society and We're ready to enjoy
the programme Of the evening in an
other stereotyped direction.
The voice Of Archie Penrose rose
over the we'll modulated conversation:
"It's a dangerous move for any one
to make, I think, professor. The
classes are too much at war now. All
these anarchists ought to be hunted
out of society like wild beasts. She
is encouraging anarchy when she en-
Acourages those people to discuss their
views"
miss Andrews''-the bland voice OF
Professor Emory smote John Gordon
like a blow-'is not encouraging an
archy, Mr. Penrose. You do not un
derstand the exact situation. The me1
she invites into Hope House to discuss
government may be mistaken as tt
many theories Of government, but thu
free speech that Miss Andrews encour
ages among them Is not dangerous t.
society. AS understand it, she dis
courages all expressions Of violence
and is really doing good service to the
city In educating group of men wh(
might be dangerous into good citizens.'
"Bless you, professor" John Gordon
said to himself. You are a formal
pedantic, heartless, professional soci
ologist, with no more real knowledge
than a mummy, but I'll forgive al
that for what you have just said. Yo1
may be of no real account as sociolo
gist, but you are fair to your own log
ic, fair as mathematical problem"
The voice Of Archie Penrose ros.
again. Argument had no weight will
him.
to- {c n
an. She makes the people discomfort
ed with their surroundings and create
| bitterness between classes"
Il don't agree with you," the pro
| fessor's smooth, easy voice answered
again. "She is doing great good in he
way. Mr.. Gordon"-the professor wa
sitting three chairs below Gordon o.
the opposite side Of the table-"yo7
are surely in position to verify m.
statements about this estimable WON
an. Set this misguided young maj
right in the matter. He has been mis-
Informed by some one."
Every face at the table was turne'
toward John Gordon except Luella's
She looked down at the table. 1t wa
very still. Penrose was red and nery
Gus. Just how he had precipitated tn
discussion Gordon did not know unit
several weeks afterward. 1t was enoug
that the entire subject Of his persona
life work was Row at once the objec
Of interest to all these people. 1t wa
the last situation in the world h
would have chosen for himself, bu
it had been thrust upon him throug
no seeking Of his own. In the hus