"No," I told him. "There is a reason, as you suggest. But it is not that
one."

"Then why--" he insisted.

"I am rather sensitive about it," I explained. "I don't know that I care
to discuss the subject."

The young minister looked pained. "But among friends--" he protested.

"True," I conceded. "Well, then, among friends, I will admit frankly
that it is a birthmark. I was born with short hair."

That was the last time my short hair was criticized in my presence, but
the young minister was right in his disapproval and I was wrong, as I
subsequently realized. A few years later I let my hair grow long, for
I had learned that no woman in public life can afford to make herself
conspicuous by any eccentricity of dress or appearance. If she does so
she suffers for it herself, which may not disturb her, and to a greater
or less degree she injures the cause she represents, which should
disturb her very much.

XII. BUILDING A HOME

It is not generally known that the meeting of the International Council
of Women held in Chicago during the World's Fair was suggested by Miss
Anthony, as was also the appointment of the Exposition's "Board of Lady
Managers." "Aunt Susan" kept her name in the background, that she might
not array against these projects the opposition of those prejudiced
against woman suffrage. We both spoke at the meetings, however, as
I have already explained, and one of our most chastening experiences
occurred on "Actress Night." There was a great demand for tickets for
this occasion, as every one seemed anxious to know what kind of speeches
our leading women of the stage would make; and the programme offered
such magic names as Helena Modjeska, Julia Marlowe, Georgia Cayvan,
Clara Morris, and others of equal appeal. The hall was soon filled, and
to keep out the increasing throng the doors were locked and the waiting
crowd was directed to a second hall for an overflow meeting.

As it happened, Miss Anthony and I were among the earliest arrivals at
the main hall. It was the first evening we had been free to do exactly
as we pleased, and we were both in high spirits, looking forward to the
speeches, congratulating each other on the good seats we had been given
on the platform, and rallying the speakers on their stage fright; for,
much to our amusement, we had found them all in mortal terror of their
audience. Georgia Cayvan, for example, was so nervous that she had to
be strengthened with hot milk bef