bill goes through
she will also contribute a thousand dollars. She not only realized at
once that the boulevard would bring more capital to Rosewater, but she
means to sow the reclaimed land with asparagus--and we all know the
profit in that. Her attitude and comprehension of the matter have
gratified me extremely, almost as much as her continued residence in
Rosewater after all her fine experiences abroad; to say nothing of
engaging personally in a lucrative business instead of playing with it
and leaving the actual work to dishonest help. She is an example I wish
more of our young women would follow. But as regards Mr. Gwynne: I think
he deserves a vote of thanks. He comes here a total stranger with an
immense estate, from which he could derive a sufficient income for his
pleasures, and he has already devoted a considerable amount of his time
and splendid mental abilities to the welfare of this little town. A few
of our older men have some public spirit, an idea or two beyond lining
their pockets, but we do not boast a single young man who cares whether
we have camellias or cabbages in the public squares. I feel sure that
Mr. Gwynne will supply this deficiency and be a host in himself. I have
talked with him several times, and he has said, in so many words, that
as he intends to make this county his home he purposes to accomplish
something in the way of general improvement. This means that he will,
for my husband says that he not only has remarkable mind and will, but
that he is a young man of incorruptible honor--and I know of no
combination that we need more. So, ladies, I propose that we pass a vote
of thanks to Mr. Gwynne, thus not only showing our appreciation of his
interest, but securing his friendship for the Club."

Mrs. Haight rose, sallow and trembling. She felt her sails flapping
about her, but none the less was she determined to reach her goal if she
had to get out and swim. She knew the President well enough to control
the hissing of her venom, but as she turned to address the chair she
found it impossible to imbue her tones with the suavity proper in a
baleful counsel for the prosecution.

"Mrs. President, Ladies!" she began, clearing her throat. "Before
passing a vote of thanks to Mr. Gwynne I think it my duty to ask you
dispassionately if you really think he is a person from whom we can
afford to receive favors. And above all, if Isabel Otis should be
permitted any sort of contact with the Club she