rry on
your policy. And I can think of several who might be willing, now that
you have performed the Herculean task--and who will keep the Augean
stables clean."

"Rather than see them put a demagogue into my place I would try to keep
it," answered Gertrude. "But with such good men in City Hall as we now
have, there is no longer need for a woman there. I bespeak your
co-operation for my successor, whose name shall be known in a few days,
although I do not think he has consented yet. But when he does, and the
candidate is announced, you must all work to elect him. Then I shall
retire to private life--thank Heaven!"

"You aren't going to follow Mary Snow's example, are you?" asked the
fluffy woman, saucily. "My husband says they are the happiest couple and
the best mated, he ever saw."

"Your husband is right, Bella," said Gertrude. "Now, my friends, I must
go. I have some work waiting in my office and two or three appointments
to be made."

"Do you suppose she'd let us make her the next president of the P.
W.'s?" asked Bella, when the mayor left the room.

"Bless you, no!" answered Mrs. Bateman. "What would a woman who has been
mayor of a city want of our little club-presidency? Let her take the
rest she has earned. She needs it; she is looking worn and pale."

"No wonder. I wish she would marry some nice man," answered the
irrepressible Bella.

"There isn't any good enough for her," said Mrs. Mason shortly. "Now,
ladies, if there is any business to be done, let's get at it."

When Gertrude arrived at her office John Allingham was waiting for her.
She had not seen him alone for months, except for the few brief moments
when he had been forced to consult her in regard to some detail of his
department work. He looked anxiously at her when she entered the room,
not dreaming that her heart was leaping in her bosom at sight of him.

"I want to see you alone a few minutes," he began.

The stenographer rose mechanically and withdrew, closing the door behind
her.

"See here,--what is this about your retiring from office," he asked.
"You mustn't do it."

"Mustn't I?" she asked.

"By no means," he answered decisively. "You have everything in good
running order, your enemies routed, the grafters where they belong, a
year of steady improvement under the new order of things,--and the
public all with you. It is not right for you to leave now."

"Yes, it is," she answered, getting control of herself. "And it is time
f