Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1911-08-10
CHAPTER lV.-continued.


Never" said GOrm1y. And I con
Tess to you that of late I have had
similar thoughts. I want to 40 some
thing for humanity" he went on
slowly There are certain people
who stimulate us to achievement, who
awaken our ambition, who quicken our
hope, who-Don't you comprehend?
You have put something into my life
which it lacked. Now l want to do
something for-you, Miss Haldane."
For me, Mr.. Gormly?"
For you and my fellow men; for
your approval and theirs. You see
you have brought me in touch with a
state of being Of which I knew little.
7 was not born into your society. I'm
til I saw you, I had no desire to min
gle in it. I have not taken a vaca-
ton except business trips aboard, for
twenty-five years For instance, this
is the first time in all that long period
that l have stood alone in a room and
talked socially, by her gracious privi-
lege. on terms of outward equality,
with fine, high bred, capable, wom-
an Can't you understand how you
exert a new influence, how you have
brought new force into my life, and
that from my acquaintance with you
results are certain to Gomez"
He sat down on chair on the other
side of the fireplace as he spoke
bringing himself on a level with her
She looked at him with curious inten-
sity.
She saw his smooth shaven face
scanned and lined with thought and
care. She marked the strength, the
intelligence, the resolution, in his
countenance. 1t lacked completing
touches of tenderness, it lacked the
Woman's influence; but aside from
that it was altogether admirable, vir-
lie, and strong
III want to do something" he said,
Ito make me worth his voice trem-
bled, the respect Of" he looked at
her-"of people like you" he went
on, and ! am going to do something,
too
You brighten me. said the girl,
appalled, as we often are by the grant
ing Of our prayers, the acceptance of
our suggestions, the realization of our
hopes. i don't like to feel that what
you are doing is for-for-''
Say it, Miss Haldane. For you"
I can't assume such a responsible
ty, she protested; and such motive
is not the highest, the best"
'Nonsense!" said the man almost
roughly. The best things in life are
done for the sake OF good women, and
there is not a human being in the
world who possesses your powers and
capabilities who does not thrill to
responsibilities. In your heart of
hearts you are gIad-or you will be
glad if through your inspiration some
thing is accomplished, by whatever
way or means It may be-even by
me-for mankind"
And the woman knew that the
words were true She thrilled even
then to the strength Of his protesta-
ton
You see know humanity. I don't
know society; you observed that by
my awkward reception Of you all here
tonight"
Indeed" said the girl; 1T was
most graceful and kindly hospitality,
and we deeply appreciate it
1t is good of you to say so. These
things I could learn" he hesitated. IF
I had some one who knew to teach
me; but other things I know myself.
I am at a discount with women: but
| can handle men and l know men.
Every human being is glad to ally
himself with success. If you and I
together do something, you will be
happy if we succeed"
And miserable if we fail?" queried
the girl with a nervous laugh.
We will not fail"
You are proposing a partnership
There is Quasi-partnership exist
ing between us now in the settlement
house. Your devotion, your generous
thought for those people, with my
business back of you-for it is back of
you, Miss Haldane, in that or anything
else to the last limits going to pro
duce results there that nobody dreams
Of"
Are YOU going to devote yourself
TO that?"
No" said the man quickly. Il have
something higher and greater in view.
That's your part Of the partnership;
mine IS to help you, and"
And what are you going to dor"
asked the girl, intensely interested,
leaning forward, her breath coming
quicker
I an going to be mayor of New
York, for one thing, Miss Haldane."
Yes And them"
II touched him immensely to see
the matter of fact way with which
she accepted his stupendous decIara-
ton.
And then, am going to be the best
mayor New York eyer had, an honest