-a
better man, I think you said,--to accept the nomination, we can
overthrow the gang of grafters at City Hall and establish good
government here in Roma once more. Who is your man?"

"Miss Gertrude Van Deusen." Mrs. Bateman's eyes twinkled as she
pronounced the name; for she knew well the conservative position
occupied by all the Allingham family on 'the woman question.'

The chairman of the Municipal League gasped. Surely he had not heard
aright. He turned to the younger woman, who sat smiling at him,
confident of his support. Alas! What had he been saying?

"I am delighted to feel that we have the Municipal League behind us,"
Mrs. Bateman was saying. "We mean to arouse every woman in this town,
and make them vote,----"

"But, ladies," began Allingham, already floundering in the dust of
expediency, "have you thought?--Do you realize what you are doing? Under
ordinary circumstances--in well-regulated towns perhaps,--but a woman
for mayor?--In Roma? I'm afraid it wouldn't do."

"But you just said we could do anything we pleased?" began Mrs.
Stillman.

"In the way of help, yes," replied the chairman, sore beset. "But this
would be such an innovation."

"Now, Jack Allingham," said Mrs. Bateman, who had known him all his
life, "I know this comes with a shock to you,--I know how difficult the
problem seems at this minute. But don't decide now. Take time to think.
Consult with some of your leaders. We want your co-operation. We believe
that together we can establish the right kind of government in City
Hall. But we are determined to fight for our candidate,--and to win.
Unless, indeed, you succeed in putting up a much better man than any yet
mentioned for the place."

"Then here is where you throw down the glove?" asked Allingham,
recovering his equanimity, "and I've to--"

"You're not to decide until you've had time to think, to reason with
yourself, to consult your leaders, and to arrive at a conclusion,"
answered Mrs. Bateman, rising. "And now, we'll go."

They said good-by and left him standing in the middle of the room, dazed
and indignant at the tide of affairs. Even then he noted that turn of
Miss Van Deusen's fine shoulders and the invincible way she carried her
head.

"What a splendid woman she must be," he said to himself. "A
genuine,--but I'm an egregious idiot,--a blanked blunderer. A pretty
scrape I am in! Why didn't I wait until they declared themselves? And
Miss Van Deusen! She must think me a f