The Dolores star., 1909-05-07

had caught up with them. He was
still scowling.
Il was sorry you didn't finish your
speech as you intended. SIR" he said,
With something OF the acerbity of a
reproach.
Why" began Vernon. looking at
him, 4"
You laid out very broad and COM
prehensive ground for yourself" the
old man continued. but unfortunately
you did not cover 1t. You should have
developed your subject logically, as ]
had hopes. indeed. in the beginning
you were going to do. An argument
based on principle would have been
more to the point than an appeal to
the passions. think Miss Greene will
agree with me. am sorry you did not
acQuaint me with your intention of
addressing the senate on this impor.
tant measure: would very much have
liked to confer with you about what
you were going to say II is not con-
templated by those In the reform
movement that the charms OF woman
shall be advanced as the reason for
her right to equal suffrage with man.
II is purely matter OF cold. abstract
Justice. Now, for instance" the doctor
laid his finger in his palm. and began
to speak didactically. "as have
pointed out to the house. whatever the
power or the principle that gives to
man his right to make the law that
governs him, to woman 1t gives the
same right. In 81 states the married
mother has no right to her children;
In 16 the wife has no right to her own
earnings; in eight she has no separate
right to her property; in seven"
Vernon looked at Miss Greene help
lessly. but she was nodding her head
In acQuiescence to each point the doc
tor laid down in his harsh palm with
that long forefinger. Vernon had no
chance to speak until they reached the
hotel. She was to take the midday
train back to Chicago. and Vernon had
insisted on going to the station with
her. Just as she was about to leave
him to go up to her room she said, as
on a sudden impulse:
DO you know that the women of
America, yes. the people Of America,
owe you a debt?"
Vernon assumed a most modest at.
titude.
IT we are successful" she went on
the advocates of equal suffrage all
over the United States will be great,
encouraged; the reform movement,
everywhere will receive genuine i'm
petus."
You will be down next Wednesday
when the resolution comes up again
won't your asked Vernon.
Indeed. l SHALL" she said. DO you
have any hopes now?"
"Hopes?' laughed Vernon. why.
certainly: we'll adopt it. I'll give my
whole time to 1t between now and
then. II they don't adopt that resolu
ton Ill block every other piece o.
legislation this session. appropriations
and all. I guess that will bring them
to time!"
You're very good" she said. But
I fear Mr.. Porter's influence"
"Oh, I'll take care of him. You
trust 1t to me. The women will bt
voting In this state next year"
And you shall be their candidate
Aoh 6ovSihoA. bic CliCus SlooPlhS
hands.
Vernon colored: he felt a warm
thrill course through him. but he
waved the nomination aside with his
hand. He was about to say something
more. but he could not think of any
thing quickly enough. While he hest
tated. Miss Greene looked at her
watch.
I've missed my train." she said
quietly.
Vernon grew red with confusion.
Il beg thousand pardons!" he said
1T was all my fault and 1t was certain
ly very stupid of me-
ITS of no Importance. Where must
go to reserve srace on the night
train?" said Miss Greene.
Vernon told her. and proffered his
services. He was now delighted at the
philosophical way in which she ac
cepted the situation-it would have
brought the average woman. he re
iected, to tears-and then he went on
to picture to himself the practical re
suits In improving women's characters
that his new measure. as he had al
ready come to regard it. would bring
about.