t a decent Republican
citizen in this town who'll take hold with us,--I mean as candidate for
mayor."

"The more shame to Roma, then," said Allingham. "Things have come to a
pretty state of graft when--"

He stopped suddenly, for the door was opening and Mrs. Bateman walked
in. With her were two other women, one white-haired and graciously
dignified, the other young and tall and handsome.

"Good-morning, Mr. Allingham," said Mrs. Bateman, taking the hand which
the young man, coming forward, stretched forth. "May I present you to
Mrs. Stillman and Miss Van Deusen? And may we have a few minutes' talk
with you?"

"Certainly," he replied, wondering what these society women could want
with the Municipal League, "certainly. Be seated."

The secretary slipped quietly from the room while the visitors drew up
in a half-circle around the chairman's desk.

"We are sure to give you a surprise," began Mrs. Bateman, "so we may as
well tell you at once. We are going to enter city politics."

"That's good," answered Allingham. "I trust you're going to offer us an
available candidate for mayor? That's the greatest need in Roma today."

"We are," said Mrs. Bateman, smiling.

"Good!" cried Allingham, with enthusiasm. "I was just saying to Morgan,
here, that if Judge Bateman would consent to run,--or rather, he was
saying it and I was assenting, when you came in. I hope you're going to
offer the Judge on the altar of municipal duty, Mrs. Bateman. He would
carry the city."

"No, indeed. Better than that," replied the Judge's wife.

"Far better, we think," added Mrs. Stillman.

"Mr. Allingham, the women of Roma are going to put forth their own
candidate," pursued Mrs. Bateman.

"Good, again. Since the women can vote, I don't see why, if you all get
out and work, you can't elect anybody you see fit."

"O, do you think so? Do you really believe that?" said Gertrude Van
Deusen, who had not spoken before.

"I do," solemnly asseverated the young man. "'You women can do whatever
you undertake. Women without the vote can do almost anything they
choose, here in the United States. But where they have the right of
suffrage, they have absolutely everything in their hands. You've given
me great courage. For, if you women really mean business, and will join
your forces with the Municipal League--" he paused a little.

"That's why we have come," said Mrs. Stillman.

"Then we are sure of victory. Now if you can bring Judge Bateman or,-