Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-10
Chapter XVI.

1t would be hard to say which were the
most surprised at the next meeting Of the
Nota Bene Club, the friends or the enemies
of Mrs. Parsons, for at the close OF the
business session she said:
CAS- it becomes necessary for the club to
choose its nominating committee at the next
meeting, / desire to state. emphatically and
once for all, that shall not be candidate
for reelection. Although our term of Of
fee Is not limited, / believe 1t will be wise
for this club to choose new presiding Of
fcer at the next annual meeting. and, while
1t is not in my province to attempt to die
tate, would suggest younger woman for
the place-one with enthusiasm, tact and
popularity. who shall be able TO gulde IL
along its present lines of policy and add to
its already brilliant reputation. / have
served you to the best of my ability for two
terms during which the NOta Bene has
bounded to the front and become one OF the
leading clubs of the state-1 may say OF
the country. Now shall insist upon yield
ing the gavel to my successor. and, while L
shall always keep my interest In the club.
shall take my well-earned rest from Its ac-
tive duties"
or course there were the usual mo-
lions to request reconsideration OF Mrs:
Parsons decision. but Minnie Morrison had
done her work we'll and the president stood
Arm She was too wise a woman to be
candidate in the face of waning popularity.
] was little uncertain, at the close OF the
meeting, whether to go to Mrs. Parsons ana
implore her to reconsider. as certain others
were doing, or to remain in the back
ground.
Wise woman, to withdraw In time"
"A shrewd move"
'Too bad; she's made the club"
There is no one who can fill her place"
There are some who think they can.
These were some OF the remarks tnat
caught my attention as ] stood waiting.
ant
aisle.
''Come. Jackie" she said cordially. Let
me take you home.'
This was the first time had ever felt
averse to a ride behind her prancing horses.
but she did not wait for an answer. and I
found myself following her out, surrounded
by crowd of protesting friends.
When the carriage door was finally closed
and we dashed away, she spoke.
There, Jackie, I've forestalled my enc
mics. Now it's your turn
l turned an innocent, inquiring face.
Don't neglect your chance. Jackie. Take
1t on the flood tide, according to the ad-
vice of one Mr.. Shakespeare. 1t will not
come again."
1T has not come now" I answered In
nocently. Il don't know what you mean"
Don't be a fool, Jackie" was the terse
reply. You will be asked to run for the
presidency I've definitely refused, and
there is nothing In your way
Was it because she really loved me as a
this only new phase of her remarkable
diplomacy?
Il should hate to do anything that would
seem,"-I hesitated and stopped
But why not?" she pursued II am not
an obtuse woman, and l prefer to retire
before the inevitable ebb-tide of a woman's
club popularity comes to me. I've thought
it all over; and what have to gain by re-
naming in office one moment longer?"
Nothing-and 1 said so. But you've been
my benefactor and my fairy godmother all
through" murmured. r.,
II understand all that, Jackie" she an
swered good-naturedly. How far did that
woman see? But If you are my choice; II
throw the weight of my influence on your
candidacy, you could scarcely have quib-
BILE. could you?"
Not if l am asked" I answered lightly.
But there is an old proverb which gives
some excellent advice about counting the
chickens before they are out of the shell.
Your incubator is working all right,
laughed this inscrutable woman, and the
talk ran on to other subjects until she
dropped me at my own door.
One month later l was waited upon for
mally by the chairman of the nominating
committee and asked to allow my name to
be used as candidate for the presidency.
'Since Mrs. Parsons stands firmly by her
decision not to serve another term, l an
swered, II consent" and she departed half
an hour later, remarking on my loyalty to
the old incumbent.
The path to the presidents chair is not
is that seat cushioned with peoples, as l
was destined to learn. The conservative
element of the club was not anxious to see
me in that high position, and as soon as it
became known that my name was to head
the regular ticket they demanded minori-
ty report, and obtained 1t, being well rep
resented on the nominating committee.
Judge Henry's wife's name headed this re-
port, When I heard of this my courage
nearly died, but the radicals were strong
and would not allow me to withdraw.
Mrs. Henry was a calm, judicial. lovable
woman, who had held my warmest admira-
ton for many months. / knew that she
was the right woman to succeed Mrs. Par
sons, by right of her dignity and social
position; but my ambition was at stake.
and 1 felt that this was the psychological
me ment, while Joe was away and the
club feeling surged my way; and my name
headed the majority report at the annual
meeting in January.
Ihesitated long about attending the meet
ing. Mrs. Henry. 1 knew, would not be
there and felt that my staying away
would be in better taste. But I could not
bring myself to remain quietly at home.
1 compromised by going late and lin
gering in the dressing rooms alone for
time By and bye 1 heard the voice of