Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1905-03-18
CHAPTER XVI.

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:
AS it becomes necessary for the club
to choose its nominating committee at
the next meeting, | desire to state, em-
phatically and once for all, that | shall
not be a candidate for reelection. Al
though our term of Office is not limited,
| believe it will be wise Tor this club to
choose new presiding ofncer at the next
annual meeting, and, while it is not in
my province to attempt to dictate, |
would suggest a younger woman for the
place-one with enthusiasm, tact and
popularity, who shall re able to guide il
along its present ines of policy and add
to its already brilliant reputation.
have served you to the best of my abil
ity for two terms, during which the Nota
Bene has bounded to the front and be
come one of the leading clubs of the
state-l may say of the country. Now
| shall insist upon yielding the gavel to
my successor. and. while | shall always
keep my interest in the club, shall take
my we'll earned rest from its active du-
ties"
OF course, there were the usual motions
to request reconsideration of Mrs. Par
sons decision. but Minnie Morrison had
done her work well, and the president
stood firm. She was too wise a woman
to be "a candidate in the fact of waning
popularity.
| was a little uncertain, at the close
of the meeting, whether to go to Mrs,
Parsons and implore her to reconsider,
as certain others were doing, or to re-
main in the background.
Wise woman, to withdraw in time"
- 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 We're some of the remarks that
caught my attention as | stood waiting.
Then Mrs. Parsons, herself, swept down
the aisle
Come. Jackie she said cordially.
Let me take you home"
This was the first time | had ever felt
aveTse to ride behind her prancing
horses, but she did not wait for an an
swer, and | found myself following her
out, surrounded by a crowd of protesting
friends.
When the carriage door was finally
closed and we dashed away, she spoke.
There, Jackie, I've forestalled my
enemies. Now it's your turn"
turned an innocent, inquiring face.
Don't neglect your chance, Jackie.
Take it on the flood tide, according to
the advice of one Mr. Shakespeare. 1t
will not come again"
ut has not come now" / answered in
nocently. Il don't know what you
mean'
Don't be 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
daughter Il had heard her say sol, or
was this only "A new phase of her re-
markable diplomacy?
Il should hate to do anything that
would seem, - hesItated and stopped
But why not?" she pursued II am
not an obtuse woman. and | prefer to
retire before the inevitable ebb-t tide of
woman's club popularity comes to me.
I've thought it all over; and what have
to gain by remaining in Office one mo-
ment longer?"
Nothing-and | said so. "But you've
been my benefactor and my fairy god
mother all through" / murmured. 4
Il understand all that. Jackie" she an
swered good naturally How far did
that woman see? But if you are nv
choice; If | throw the weight of my in
fiuence on your candidacy, you could
scarcely have a bubble could your"
Not if / am asked answered light
ly. But there is an old proverb which
gives some excellent advice about count
ing chickens before they are out of the
she'll"
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 ! was waited upon
formally by the chairman of the nom
mating committee and asked to allow
my name to be used as candidate for the
presidency
''Since Mrs. Parsons stands firmly bv
her decision not to serve another term"
/ answered Il consent and she departed
half an hour later, remariEing on my 10y
atty TO the old incumbent.
To BE CONTINUED.