The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1916-02-17
PRUDENCE RIDING
BY clcELY WEBB.


Hilda edged her way toward the
cool, inviting, old-fashioned veranda
where Mr.. Riding had been seated when
he came forward to resent the intrusion
Of Hilda Hoover and her band of en-
thusiasts. you see, we want to learn
more about Prudence Riding. We
have taken her as our patroness. We
have named our organization after her
We are making the name of Riding
famous"
This with a flourish and mock ora
tory that drew smile even from Mr..
Riding's vexed face. Hilda knew she
was gaining ground. She laughed one
of her famous disarming, teasing
laughs-it was that more than any
thing else that made the district lead
or of her ward In the city come
across" with his signature on the suf-
frage petition-and Robert felt the
ground slipping beneath his feet He
actually invited her to continue the
conversation on the veranda, provid-
ing, Of course, she would not invite the
"You see," said Hilda, settling her
self gracefully in one of Roberts most
comfortable chairs, Il know that in
side that dark interesting old house of
yours l could find some papers, per-
haps diaries, that would tell me more
about Prudence. You know that you
are very seldom here at Riding Hall,
and all the rest Of the time this won
derful old place is closed. Well, don't
you think you could let us, the SUI.
fragists of our organization, l mean,
have the privilege of visiting the house
say one day week? You know It is
sort Of shrine to us. 1t is where our
patroness lived and died and 1t was
from this very house that she started
out on her memorable trip to the leg
islature. And another thing I want to
ask, Mr.. Riding-when we get our lit
tie life Of Prudence Riding ready,
won't you let us have your photograph
as a picture Of the only living de-
scendant Of our illustrious heroine?"
Robert gasped and jumped to his
feet in amazement.
Now, please, Mr.. Riding" Hilda
Hoover soothed. Il was almost sure
you wouldn't. l could tell that you
thought you opposed the suffrage just
TO look at you" Here again Hilda
laughed her contagious laugh.
I'D like to know how you could
tell" he said.
I'm the first place, you are bach
elor past thirty, and every bachelor
past thirty thinks that woman's place
is in the home. That's because he
hasn't any woman in his home and
doesn't ever expect to have. But just
wait. One Of these days, Mr.. Riding
you are going to come around just as
easily as that" Here, by graceful
gesture, Hilda Hoover expressed the
case with which a man could be mold
ed into thoroughgoing suffragst in
the hands of a suffragist wife.
At that time Robert didn't under
stand why he did it, He didn't even
remember that he did it. But the fact
| remains that he consented to having
| Hilda Hoover examine the papers OF
the Riding family in search Of the
data needed for her life of Prudence
Riding. And good half hour before
the time set for the first visit he found
himself pacing the veranda, watch in
hand. 1t was true, he had to admit
it to himself, that there was something
about Hilda Hoover-the contagious
laugh and the teasing smile-and the
eyes that looked at you one minute as
straight and calm as you please and
the next minute possessed the witch
cry of coquette.
Don't you think" said Hilda, wher
she arrived and had taken her place
in the old library in front of a chest
of papers and documents that Robert
had opened for her, don't you thinl
that you can take time to go over these
with me? / don't feel that ! am re
sponsible alone. They must be yer,
| precious to you"
In spite of the fact that he had prom
ised to play round of golf with {
reighbor that afternoon, Robert re
manned at home. When, after a weel
OF visits, Hilda Hoover expressed hel
desire to continue her investigation
during another week Robert actual!
Cancelled some important business en-
gagemonts in the city in order not t
miss her daily visits.
Anyway" said Robert, after the!
had turned the last page Of the OLE
records that proved that Mistress Pru
dence Riding actually did batter dow
the doors and that she was indeed
very militant woman, Il don't blame
her. should think that this worl
would be better OF today II there wer
few more women like her. don
mean to boast, but I'm glad to have he
for an ancestress. / like a woma
with a mind of her own"
Robert looked eagerly at the face @
Hilda Hoover and then gazed up quick
ly to the faded old portrait Of Pr,
dence above the mantlepiece.
do you know" he said, Il think 20