3 1924 066 748 637 
 
THE 
 
 MARTIN P. CATHERWOOD 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL 
 
 OF 
 
 INDUSTRIAL AND LABOR 
 
 RELATIONS 
 
 AT 
 CORNELL UNIVERSITY 
 
The original of tliis book is in 
 tlie Cornell University Library. 
 
 There are no known copyright restrictions in 
 the United States on the use of the text. 
 
 http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924066748637 
 
The Voices 
 
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 The Voices 
 
 BY 
 
 MRS. I. LOWENBERG 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 'The Irresistible Current" and 
 "A Nation's Crime" 
 
 I 1920 
 
 I Harr Wagner Publishing Co. 
 
 I San Francisco 
 
 I California 
 
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Copyrighted 
 
 1920 
 
 By Mrs. I. LoWenberg 
 
 Dramatic Scenario and Motion Picture 
 Eights Strictly Reserved 
 
DEDICATED 
 
 IN LOVING MEMORY 
 
 TO 
 
 MY HUSBAND 
 
The Voices 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 On a balmy summer's day in San Francisco itj the 
 latter end of June when all nature was redolent with 
 the fragrance of flowers, the air full of birds and the 
 hum of industries, a charming girl with a face sur- 
 rounded by an aureole of golden hair and complexion 
 where roses and lilies vied with each other, a dreamy 
 look in her large eyes as if she were a lotus eater, 
 entered a very modest little cottage in the San Bruno 
 district. Her home consisted of two rooms. One 
 room had a partition thrown up part of the way, each 
 side covered with cretonne. The other, the kitchen 
 and living room; the one doing service for both — a 
 combination — composed of all the collapsible furni- 
 ture of a modern apartment house. 
 
 "Father," said the girl in a low, sweet voice to an 
 uncouth looking man, throwing him a kiss, "I have 
 secured a position as stenographer in the New Con- 
 struction Iron and Steel Plant of Torby and Son — 
 The Managers — so-called." 
 
 "Well, Joan, I am glad." 
 
 "I am happy as a lark." 
 
 "And I have gotten a place as puddler in The 
 Western Consolidated Steel." 
 
 "That is a fine position for you, I am sure." 
 
 "Well, I deserve it, don't I? Hain't I worked 
 there for twenty years. First, twelve hours a day — 
 
8 THE VOICES 
 
 night shifts, twelve — then after being unionized then 
 ten hours a day and now again thanks to the unions 
 eight hours a day. But the shut down — takes money. 
 My sak's alive. It was time for me to get work too, 
 if not, the poor house could've open'd its door for us 
 sure as my name is Peter Lynn." 
 
 "Both working in the same business now. This 
 is something new for this plant to give girls posi- 
 tions. I was very uneasy many a day when I ap- 
 plied for work as the superintendent is very critical; 
 but finally, he said 'Women' then with a faint smile, 
 'Girls should be given a trial.' A trial in these days !" 
 and she pouted her red lips. 
 
 "Well, sweet, my blonde!" 
 
 "Father, say, neither blonde nor brunette." 
 
 "Never mind my words. You are varsity larn'd." 
 
 "Thanks to you, dear father, who since my mother 
 died when I was a year old, have been father and 
 mother to me — suffered privations one and many," 
 and a tenderness crept into her voice and tears came 
 to her eyes. 
 
 "Now, no blarny. Yer know you work'd your 
 own way a good deal." 
 
 "And left you alone." 
 
 "Well, edication is a great thing." 
 
 "Father, I thank God and you for my opportun- 
 ities. I would not take millions for my education. 
 It has opened the whole universe to me." 
 
 "Yes, but—" 
 
 "Just to think that I, a girl of twenty, have been 
 fortunate enough to pass arid be allowed to pass and 
 receive my degree A. B. from the University of Cali- 
 fornia, and in the meantime I have earned a little 
 at my vocation." 
 
THE VOICES 9 
 
 "But I say—" 
 
 "Now, father, you have diverted my thoughts 
 without aWowing me to speak of what I am thinking." 
 
 "Joan, be quiet — it's yer father who'll speak." 
 
 "Go on. I am listening," replied Joan, in a sad- 
 dened voice. 
 
 "Child, isn't that mill yer are goin' to a non- 
 union plant — an Open Shop?" 
 
 "It strikes me, it is an open shop. What of it?" 
 
 "You musn't go ther." 
 
 "But, father, I must eat, I have a healthy appe- 
 tite and to eat one must work. Paul says, 'He that 
 will not work, shall not eat.' " 
 
 "Hold on, gurl, no talkin' the word Scripters or 
 anythin' else to me. It must be a closed shop for 
 yer to work in. I have work now, plenty of work 
 to care for yer and me and I am gonna do it. And 
 then we need little. We can live on almost nothin'. 
 lil give yer the biggest half," said Peter in a wheed- 
 ling tone, with tears in his eyes as well as in his 
 voice. 
 
 "Father, I cannot give it up, and then my word; 
 I cannot break it." 
 
 "I say yer must, yer shall, do yer hear me?" 
 
 "It is such a satisfactory position too. The one 
 for which I have prayed for with all my heart." 
 
 "Yer heart must give in." 
 
 "The Superintendent told me I was fortunate to 
 get it and he looked at my clothes too. I am a good 
 needle-woman, but I have darned and darned, but 
 what is the use!" 
 
 "But I've a place." 
 
 "But we are in debt for provisions. I, we can 
 
10 THE VOICES 
 
 go no further. I have accepted — must accept — ^and 
 as I said before have given my word." 
 
 "Darn yer, girl, and your varsity edication." 
 
 "Father," with a gleam in her eyes, "I have a 
 project in view." 
 
 "What's that?" 
 
 "Some object in view." 
 
 "Now, you're edicating me — I see that. Tell me 
 yer somethin'?" 
 
 "My voices tell me — " 
 
 "Stop that nonsense." 
 
 "Well," returned Joan, a bit out of countenance, 
 then with a smile, "You told me, you were told when 
 I was born, I spoke one word, 'Mission,' then lapsed 
 into an ordinary babe — you did." 
 
 "That blabberin'." 
 
 Joan replied hastily, "I shall convert the plant." 
 
 "There's another word I don't understan'." 
 
 "I shall unionize the plant." 
 
 "Yes, a gurl, just twenty years old?" 
 
 "Girls and women are coming to the front these 
 days — they are seen, heard and acting." 
 
 "Yes, dancing their lives away in ever kine of 
 fashuen and doin' nothin'." 
 
 "True, some few foolish young girls." 
 
 "And more foolish women, middle age women, all 
 ages cutting capers," replied Lynn excitedly. 
 
 "You do not know your girlie.'' 
 
 "I think not," sarcastically. 
 
 "I am determined to unionize that plant and you 
 will learn to know I have the courage to face all 
 difficulties." 
 
 "Yes, yer have grit enough when it comes to that. 
 Well, you may try. If yer're not able to do it in a 
 
THE VOICES 11 
 
 little while, yer'll have to leave the mill for I won't 
 be jeered at and called 'scab' and of course I can't 
 tell on yer what yerare goin' to try to do." 
 
 "Certainly not. I trust you and you must trust 
 me. Your Joan as I tell you has a future though it 
 may be stormy and stony, it will succeed." 
 
 "In the meantime your father will see black looks 
 an' hear some cuss words." 
 
 "Patience, father. Everything comes to him who 
 waits." 
 
 "Not to me, Joan, not to me." 
 
 "Yes, to you. You have a fine place — a good 
 paying place. You keep it — earn it." 
 
 "Well." 
 
 "It is for you to try to keep it. Go tomorrow 
 morning a few moments before time, so you will be 
 on time." 
 
 "You give too many orders." 
 Go and fill them, father." 
 
 "I'll go to the grocer's and see if he won't give 
 us a few pounds of sugar. A little ham — O, I haven't 
 tasted any in such a long time. My mouth waters 
 as I think of it, but say, we owe the grocer money." 
 
 "You forget we have work now and we can in- 
 dulge a little. Get coffee, sugar, ham, eggs, choco- 
 late, sardines, cheese, apples, pears, plums and what- 
 ever else fresh you can get and what you cannot get 
 fresh buy canned — and bring ginger ale, soda water 
 and seltzer water, and — " 
 
 "I am glad yer stopped; if not, I'd have to carry 
 home the grocery store." 
 
 "And buy everything in sight. I stopped for want 
 of breath. Oh, work, blessed work, independence and 
 
12 THE VOICES 
 
 comfort you bring. Why do people object to work, 
 God's blessing to man?" 
 
 "No, child, you're mistaken there — I went to chufch 
 once long ago an' the preacher said man sinned in 
 the Garden of Eden an' after that man should earn 
 his living' by the sweat of his brow." 
 
 "A double reason you s.hould, we should work — 
 necessity, and in expiation of the original sin. Now 
 go, father, quickly and return quickly so we can have 
 a good meal. I have had Barmecidal feasts long 
 enough." 
 
 "Feasts at the bar. Good Gawd, gurl, did yer 
 voices tell yer to drink?" 
 
 "Run along; no explanations now — when we are 
 eating, feasting, I mean — ask all the questions you 
 wish." 
 
 In a little while Joan had the table set — one broad 
 board placed with white oil cloth over it — with a glass 
 vase filled with green leaves she had gathered by the 
 roadside and when Lynn returned laden with good 
 things, they were quickly prepared and ready for 
 serving. 
 
 "I am ready for my dinner now and hungrier for 
 my work tomorrow." 
 
 "Joan, last week I almost wished I was er a 
 monkey. Yer teached me to read a little yer know." 
 
 "Remember that Andrew Johnson, President of 
 the United States, married young and his wife taught 
 him to write and cipher — so there." 
 
 "Well, I am afraid not knowin nothin won't make 
 me President of the United States-." 
 
 "I am afraid not, father." 
 
 "Well," replied Lynn, "I am hungry and thirsty, 
 but not for my work. If you could only give me 
 
THE VOICES 13 
 
 three bottles of beer, I'll take two bottles — I'll take 
 one bottle 2.75 per cent alcohol." 
 
 "No," said Joan, "we are law abiding citizens first 
 of all things, as good Americans should be. 
 
 "Well," replied Lynn, "I am so thirsty I could 
 drink enough to float a — " 
 
 "Submarine." Joan said laughing. 
 
 "I read in the paper, Joan, sometime ago that 
 some rich woman — " scratching his head in thought — 
 "in the East gave a dog Junchin and for children, 
 at the same time in somethin of roses — " said Lynn. 
 
 "In a bower of roses. No doubt some stupid 
 woman Croesus, and no doubt either that the chil- 
 dren ate the luncheon and the dog had bis regular 
 meal. Possibly the very same woman will adopt 
 some homeless baby whose father died overseas de- 
 fending our country from German invasion." 
 
 In about an hour the feast was over, the table 
 cleared and the kitchen became the living room. 
 
 Lynn after sitting quiet for a few moments said, 
 "I shouldn't wonder, but what Kelly and Mayme will 
 soon be over to wish us luck." 
 
 "Do not tell them anything of my intentions," 
 said Joan. 
 
 "Not on yer life," Lynn replied. 
 
 "I dislike that girl, she is hoisterous and unre- 
 fined." 
 
 Joan had scarcely uttered the words when they 
 came in without so much ceremony as a knock at 
 the door — which brought a dark flush to Joan's 
 cheeks. 
 
 "Now, old man," said John Esmond Ammon 
 Kelly in a blunt, pleasant way. "I am sure con- 
 
14 THE VOICES 
 
 gratuiations are in order. Here I am just a pusher, 
 I believe your place is better than mine." 
 
 "Indeed, I couldn't wish for anythin better than 
 mine — hot work though." 
 
 "But good, steady work. He should rub his hands, 
 don't you think so. Miss Joan? With a little pull 
 down of expenses he could soon have a five room 
 house." 
 
 "With a sweet, little parlor to talk to yer beau 
 in," chimed in Mayme Mort." 
 
 "Yes ; but, Peter, you have such a wide, big heart." 
 
 "Rovin, you mean," chuckled Peter. 
 
 "Like an omnibus" — returned Kelly with a loud 
 guffaw — "always room for one more. Dear me, I be- 
 lieve I read that somewhere." 
 
 "Oh," sighed Mayme, "after the little parlor; no, 
 I believe before the parlor what I wish for is not 
 to work like a machine all day, to sleep when I 
 wanted, to get up when I pleased and eat every- 
 thin good and dance, and dance the balance of the 
 time." 
 
 "There would be no balance — ^you would have 
 spent it all," roared Kelly. "You ought to catch one 
 of those profiteers, he might be able to give you all 
 you want." 
 
 "Do put me where they are, John. "I'll catch one 
 sure and give you some cash too." 
 
 "Work is not humdrum," said Joan. "Take a 
 rich man away from his business office and a laborer 
 from his day's work, both suffer from ennui — ^be- 
 come restless, unhappy. Life has lost its zest, its 
 charm, occupation, has gone." 
 
 "Oh, Joan," returned Mayme, "you have such 
 high fallutin ideas no one can reach you." 
 
THE VOICES 15 
 
 "And you, Mayme, have diflferent ideas of life — 
 so warm, so easy going a way of living — stretch out 
 your hands and let the plums fall in — too lazy to 
 pick them up from the ground, I fear your mode of 
 living. would be no benefit to the living or the dead." 
 
 "That's rather a rough way of sizin me up. But 
 I don't care. Hand me the profiteer, John, and see 
 if I'm no good to nobody. I'll profit by him that's 
 sur." 
 
 "You are fit for cold storage," replied Joan. 
 
 "I'll jab you with my hair pin, if you keep on 
 that way." 
 
 "By golly," said Lynn, "I believe she is the gal 
 to do it." 
 
 "Not now, if I have some ginger ale," said Mayme, 
 and Joan in her heart loathed her, but brought out 
 three bottles and some glasses. 
 
 "Oh, bye the bye, since when did the place you are 
 going to unionize. Miss Joan?" Before Joan could 
 reply he continued, "I heard it said 'No' last week, a 
 good, broad 'No' too." 
 
 Joan busied herself with the leaves in the vase, 
 but Lynn answered with anger, "Don't worry. You'll 
 find how quick people change their minds these days, 
 changin all the time." 
 
 "So it seems, and a good thing it is too. The 
 earth does move, doesn't it. Miss Joan?" said John. 
 
 Joan laughing returned, "The astronomers say so. 
 And now Mayme?" 
 
 "Let Mayme listen to learn and you talk when 
 necessary. Miss Joan." 
 
 "Why, Mr. Kelly, I thought you looked up to a 
 woman as Americans do?" 
 
 "So I do and especially to you, Miss Joan. That 
 
16 THE VOICES 
 
 is the reason I want your attention and this question 
 of labor will make itself heard over the world. It is 
 already audible in London." 
 
 "It is indeed audible everywhere," returned Joan, 
 looking straight ahead. "Many statesmen say, 'that 
 consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds' and so 
 say I." 
 
 "You will yet be in the halls of Congress Mr. 
 Kelly, then I shall hear you talk on consistency." 
 
 "Well, to a degree, to a degree only. You see 
 where we are today and we shall get further." 
 
 "Be thankful for your dessert then, I believe 
 though the Unions are working and acting on a high 
 plane and have succeeded on that account." 
 
 "We owe them much," said Kelly. 
 
 "An we got it all by our own bans, our own 
 work," said Lynn. 
 
 "Sure," said Kelly. 
 
 "Yes, sirree," returned Lynn. 
 
 "Without battered heads," said Kelly with a wink. 
 
 "Good Gawd," spoke Lynn looking at Joan who 
 was very white. 
 
 "Yes, a little ruling all around, just moral suasion. 
 And now wake up, Mayme," said Kelly. 
 
 "I had a good snooze and Joan what do you 
 say?" 
 
 "My voices will tell me the straight path, I feel 
 confident. Joan of Arc heard her voices the first time 
 at thirteen and she walked the straight path — I shall 
 do the same." 
 
 "I wouldn't be a gurl like that — who was she?" 
 
 "A martyr, you mean? She was a girl who died 
 for her country — but there are no martyrs today. 
 
THE VOICES 17 
 
 That age has passed. Martyrs are not made, they are 
 born that way." 
 
 "You don't say!" answered Mayme with her eyes 
 wide open. 
 
 You can see," said Joan, "when Joan of Arc was 
 nineteen she was called and in one short year her 
 work was over. She was burned at the stake, as a 
 heretic, but her work was accomplished. She took 
 the discouraged dauphin, Charles, put life into him 
 and had him crowned and consecrated King of 
 France at Rheims and she laid the foundation of a 
 regenerated France. She performed her mission — and 
 here I am. At fifteen I heard voices and at nineteen 
 I was favored and received my degree at the Uni- 
 versity." 
 
 "You are a wonderful girl. Miss Joan, wonderful, 
 but do not forget the Unions — I shall inquire how 
 that mill stands to-morrow. I don't want my friend's 
 daughter to be called a scab." 
 
 "Nor my friend to be there by a long shot," 
 piped in Mayme. 
 
 "Good night, friends. Come, Mayme, I shall see 
 you home." 
 
 "You see, child, how every one feels about it — 
 Scab, huh, that word said about me, bites me like a 
 snake — hissin some." 
 
 "I was -afraid to say much for fear you might tell 
 what I was going to do." 
 
 "Hoped to do — cours you mus do or giv up your 
 place. That's settled and yer mus'n't dilly-dally, but 
 up and doin. Why not go to work at once?" said 
 Lynn eagerly. 
 
 "That would never do. Just leave it to my 
 voices." 
 
18 THE VOICES 
 
 "You simply make me mad about voices. Yer 
 hear em, keep it to yoursel. Don't talk about it. 
 People will think you'r dippy." 
 
 "Well, I shall listen all the same and obey too. 
 I was guided to that mill and I know I shall give 
 satisfaction and it will lead me somewhere. I have 
 been a stenographer all along, but such small insig- 
 nificant houses. But now to get a foothold in such 
 a mill with its thousands of employees and with 
 breathing room and good surroundings fill my mind 
 with life and hope. I did have good steady work 
 where I was and now I go fearlessly here for I am 
 efificient — naturally so in everything I undertake." 
 
 "It is time for you to stop talkin'. Do yer think 
 you're preachin to a crowd, instead of only yer 
 father, who doesn't care a darn cent about that stuff. 
 He wants the finish." 
 
 ."And I to see the beginning to-morrow. If that 
 Superintendent were not to accept me — " 
 
 "He engaged you, didn't he?" 
 
 "Yes, but suppose he would not? I should simply 
 faint. I am so eager for that position — stepping- 
 stone." 
 
 "An I, Gal, I'll fight yer if yer don't have a closed 
 shop." 
 
 "I shall certainly unionize that plant, so dearie 
 go to sleep" and after kissing her father, Joan re- 
 tired with a bounding heart, knowing that she would 
 be compelled to use her woman's subtle wit to union- 
 ize the plant. Have the closed shop — to please her 
 father and do so much for the mill workers, em- 
 ployees and employers. She would be on the first 
 rung of the ladder and accomplish those results which 
 
THE VOICES 19 
 
 were no longer duties, but obligations and obliga- 
 tions should be fulfilled. What a triumph for a girl 
 of twenty years to be guided by such pure, conscien- 
 tious voices, which she felt assured were preparing 
 her and would ultimately reveal to her, her true mis- 
 sion. Her sainted mother, who had been from a girl 
 steeped in the voices and visions of the Maid of 
 Donremy, with nothing else to feed on, prayed while 
 living that the spirit of that sublime creature — minus 
 its penalties: — would be reincarnated in that of her 
 darling child. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 When Joan presented herself at the office of the 
 Superintendent of the New Construction Iron and 
 Steel Plant, she was dressed in a trim little suit made 
 presentable by being washed and ironed with her own 
 little hands, and one large rose joined the collar 
 points. The Superintendent looked up and smiled at 
 her approvingly as he gave her place. She approached 
 her desk with a new dignity and outward composure. 
 She was filled to overflowing with joy at her new 
 position. The position she feared she would never 
 reach. Here was something more than taking down 
 words for others — it was Manna for her and more — 
 it was more than food for the body and mind — phys- 
 ical and mental work. It would be the molding of 
 others and standing on something to which to cling. 
 What she could and would do besides efficient work 
 at her desk, she did not know, but she felt a reli- 
 ance upon her voices that they would guide her in 
 the right direction. Now, to work among her fellow 
 creatures, to uplift them and to bring them to her 
 way of thinking; to do something for the Unions, 
 something large for the world — to stand like a rock 
 between them and anarchy: The blood tingled in 
 her veins, she had been called and would not be 
 found wanting — she would answer^ the call. There 
 were other stenographers there — girls too — girls who 
 worked on without a thought, happy looking girls, 
 glad to be there. They were fairly capable girls; at 
 times, when unnoticed, slacking a little, but Joan 
 
THE VOICES 21 
 
 came and went and worked with a diligence beyond 
 compare. She had not been there a week before she 
 was acquainted with all the girls — they were not 
 large in numbers — and some of the men too; in a 
 month she knew the foremen of the different gangs. 
 She was a modest, refined girl and the men showed 
 her great respect for her zeal. Her work for the mill 
 grew to be perfect and gave great satisfaction. She 
 joined the girls at luncheon and soon discovered that 
 though the girls — only recently admitted — were paid 
 fair wages though not what the unions demanded, but 
 the men workers were paid the union scale, but the 
 most vexing question was the Closed Shop. 
 
 The Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board 
 of Directors, Mr. Charles Torby and Mr. Applegate 
 Torby — Mr. Ashton and the Board of Directors were 
 absolutely opposed to the Closed Shop, saying that 
 on the humanitarian plea and the brotherhood basis 
 the Unions were throwing out of employment hun- 
 dreds of thousands of unorganized workers, therefore 
 Joan felt the extreme necessity of working cautiously. 
 She was by nature thorough and conscientious. She 
 would have preferred to come out openly and declare 
 her intention of unionizing the plant, but she knew 
 if she did she would not be strong enough to demand 
 her reinstatement if she were discharged, but if she 
 had a large number of followers and was discharged 
 and the plant was unionized, she could demand her 
 reinstatement and no doubt the demand would be 
 granted. She had been in the mill about six weeks 
 when Lynn said one evening, "Men in the Western 
 Consolidated Plant are talking loud and cross about 
 yer workin in an open shop." 
 
 "I must have time," replied Joan. 
 
P2 THE VOICES 
 
 "Strikes are goin on thick all over the country and 
 all over the world too," said Lynn. 
 
 "Notwithstanding it takes time for such work, a 
 bit underhand you know." 
 
 "Do yer want a life time to do it?" 
 
 "Well, father, impatience accomplishes nothing." 
 
 "The hour is here to finish up and they expect me 
 to make you close up at once. Walk out and tell 
 them why — you mus be treated white." 
 
 "You know very well, father, the workers in the 
 New Construction Iron and Steel mill are not suf- 
 fering. They have fair treatment and the men get 
 union wages and the girls have fair wages and I 
 cannot say otherwise. I also hear the Directors 
 always listen to suggestions for improving conditions, 
 so why the haste and ruin my plans, so there?" 
 
 "They only do what they mus do. They are 
 afraid it'll pull down ther profits," said Lynn. 
 
 "No doubt compulsion and the sentiment of the 
 times compel them to do many things for fear of re- 
 ducing profits," rejoined Joan. 
 
 "So yer are cornered, young lady; without's 
 they'ed have no profits." 
 
 " 'The Laborer is worthy of his hire ;' true." 
 
 "Now, Joan dear, don't talk Bible to me all the 
 time." 
 
 "A little Scripture intermingled is good reasoning, 
 I am sure." 
 
 "You are just like your mother, always talkin 
 Bible to make one believe as she believed and that 
 always turned things into a quarrel." 
 
 "Well, now, poor, dear mother." 
 
 "Don't yer say a word to excite me, Joan. I'm 
 not very well. My heart runs too fast, if they knew 
 
THE VOICES 23 
 
 it at the mill I'd be discharged in a minute. The 
 work is very hard. Those bellowin furnaces with 
 their great hotness make me weak. I sweat too much. 
 Yer mother if she lived would never let me stay an 
 hour ther at my age." 
 
 "Poor mother," in an undertone — Then in a clear 
 voice, "Father, dear father, you are a young man 
 yet," and she patted his cheek. 
 
 "Stop workin ther at once. Come out, I can work 
 for both of us. I can work," and he looked at his cal- 
 loused hands, "and I'll do all I can for both of us." 
 
 "I am afraid," said Joan compassionately, regard- 
 ing his already bent figure, "It is beyond you." lie 
 had married at thirty, but his wrinkled care worn face 
 made him appear sixty. 
 
 "Yes, I can take care of both of us, but when I go 
 round and fin' the men drawin away from me and 
 sayin' 'Scab' to themselves, I am sick." 
 
 "It is indeed a leprous work." 
 
 "Yes, child, my courage goes. I tremble and say 
 to myself, when will she come with the good news. 
 Will she ever make good her work — Ther's wlier' 
 the rub is." 
 
 "If you go on like this something will happen to 
 you. When you work, dear, you must think only of 
 your work." 
 
 "Oh, I know I'll be dragged or pin'd down or 
 somethin' with that madenin' roaring furnac." 
 
 "And what will become of me? You mangled?" 
 
 Joan turned aside and prayed for the guidance of 
 her- voices. 
 
 "Don't pray— Do, do, do." 
 
 "Don't lose courage, father, I shall unionize llie 
 plant very soon. You shall not suffer for me." 
 
24 THE VOICES 
 
 "I feel better already. It's like I had a stiff glass 
 of whisky." 
 
 "There now, that is faith — indomitable will to 
 your aid." 
 
 "It's my will to have yer do this and I want it 
 on for my free buddy." 
 
 "Of course all the buddies want it and they shall 
 have it. To-morrow more decided talks, then de- 
 cided action. But keep your courage up, because if 
 I commence before the time is ripe it will be a fail- 
 ure, for whatever I do, must result in — ^' 
 
 "Crops, big crops." 
 
 "Do not fear, my voices are guiding me and it is 
 a pleasure to obey them. 
 
 "It'll be a funeral soon for that plant," returned 
 Lynn gleefully. 
 
 "Funerals are always saddening to me, though I 
 knew of a woman who laughed at a funeral and cried 
 at a wedding." 
 
 "Men should cry at weddins these days that ally 
 money all yer life to pay for some one who doesn't 
 car for yer, but goes gaddin around." 
 
 "Do not be so cruel to poor woman. Atlas is on 
 her shoulders." 
 
 "Is a gography so heavy to carry. Horses couldn't 
 tear yer mother away from me. Thes' darned di- 
 vorces are turning things upsid down. Women wants 
 everythin, and gets everythin. No gettin along with 
 'em. Never mind tho, just go on with that darn 
 business." 
 
 "Do not be profane." 
 
 "What'll I do when I want to cuss?" 
 
THE VOICES 25 
 
 "As some minister once said, 'Have some one to 
 cuss for you.' " 
 
 "Too dear in tlies days. Wages'll have to go up." 
 
 "Father, father, wages up in one way increases the 
 
 price of things in another." 
 
 "Ther' you're with yer darn dictionery agin." 
 "False reasoning, wrong reasoning. But do not 
 
 worry — not you, but my voices." 
 
 "There yer're with your darn — " Joan clapped her 
 
 hands over Lynn's mouth and then rushed into her 
 
 room. 
 
 Next day at the luncheon hour found Joan in 
 the midst of a group of workers, some girls, but 
 mostly men as the latter predominated in large num- 
 bers as employees. "I feel, dear friends, for we are 
 all friends here, I am sure, it is time to unionize 
 this plant. Do not be startled," as they all moved 
 around and looked up. "Just think this is the only 
 plant not unionized in this grand, prosperous city. 
 This city of sunshine and flowers and really we read 
 that San Francisco and New York will always be 
 the ports of the water highways of the world; so you 
 may realize what work there will be for willing hands 
 to do right here. And while we receive fair wages 
 and exemplary treatment, how long do you think 
 these conditions will remain, if we should wish to 
 keep pace with organized labor? And all these sur- 
 roundings have been brought about by the force of 
 outside pressure. The Unions. In union there is 
 strength — a living example in our beloved United 
 States. Yes, in unionism lies our power." 
 
 "Knowing your sentiments," said one of the men, 
 "which . are of the highest, yet, I don't think it ex- 
 
26 THE VOICES 
 
 actly right for us to demand any more than we are 
 now getting." 
 
 "But conditions are favorable to have all unions 
 under one head and we should take advantage of 
 opportunities. This way only unions will work — 
 produce," said Joan. 
 
 "Of course," said another man, "we need pro- 
 tection and we need more to-day to live comfortable 
 than we did a few years ago." 
 
 "Of course we do, but look at the improvements, 
 the comforts we have today," said a pretty girl with 
 red cheeks, heightened by rouge, not thinking, pos- 
 sibly, that old women can apply rouge and powder, 
 but nothing can equal nature — Youth, which no 
 money can buy and which early decay causes many 
 to abandon themselves to excesses, indulging in the 
 epicurean philosophy, live while we can for to- 
 morrow we die. 
 
 "You know," said Joan "when the plant is union- 
 ized and demands for more wages should arise all 
 objections must be overcome by increased applica- 
 tion to work. No slacking, but production and more 
 production to show that increased wages would, will 
 bring increased profit. We must be just too. No 
 intimidation, no violence. I abhor it," said Joan. 
 
 "You are conservative," returned the rosy-cheek 
 girl. 
 
 "I am for right on all sides. Of course I should 
 not wonder when there are murmurings, the Directors 
 and Superintendents, and all officers of the corpora- 
 tion are on the alert for more workers — so as not to 
 be helpless and carry out their orders. The superin- 
 tendents are not officers, but have favored positions." 
 
THE VOICES 27 
 
 "You mean a certain preparedness," said a man 
 who was listening intently. 
 
 "Not exactly preparedness, but a good business 
 head is always on the alert. There is another thing 
 which is only right — justice — that all employees 
 should abide by their contracts as well as the em- 
 ployers," said Joan. 
 
 "That is reasoning and seasoning," said Mary 
 Blue, "and I intend to work that way." 
 
 "Bless your heart," returned Joan, "to see things 
 in the right light." 
 
 "That sounds right," said Walter Kenyon, a fore- 
 man, "but I think we should not be in a hurry — just 
 look on for a while and see how things will de- 
 velop." 
 
 "And where will we be when we get that far? I 
 am a bit nervous. My mother depends on me a 
 little," said a girl with rather a wearied look. "Of 
 course, we girls are all in the minority and don't 
 count for much." 
 
 "Miss Joan of course will be our leader," said an- 
 other girl, "and when once commenced we will stand 
 by her through thick and thin." 
 
 "If we strike," said foreman Kenyon, "we will 
 support Miss Lynn and submit to her leadership. 
 But it is a daring thing for a young girl to do even 
 in this day of rapid advancement." 
 
 Joan replied, "I am grateful to you and all of you 
 for your respect and confidence and sincerely hope 
 that I shall merit it, as I am sure these girls — my co- 
 workers will too. If we fall from the path, if we 
 deviate from our promises, if we do not abide by our 
 contracts we shall lose and endanger our strength — 
 our word — which is everything." 
 
28 THE VOICES 
 
 "But we shall not, will not, must not fail," said 
 the intent listener. 
 
 "No, no," rose from a chorus of voices. 
 
 Joan replied, "My voices guide me, I follow, I go 
 to do their bidding. Good-night." 
 
 As she left all the men inquired, "What voices?" 
 
 One of the girls said, "She thinks she has a mis- 
 sion." 
 
 "A mission? From God or the devil," said a 
 pretty and coquetish girl. 
 
 Another girl said, "Don't we all have missions to 
 marry?" 
 
 "You are all right," said Kenyon laughing and the 
 others joining in, "I see you in a five room house in- 
 viting us t© — " 
 
 "Not to beer," said another pretty girl — "but to 
 tea." 
 
 Another girl remarked, "I don't like tea, I want 
 luncheon." 
 
 "I shall do better," returned another girl. "When 
 I marry the man of my choice, with a five room 
 house and all the things that go with it — yes, I shall 
 do better than that luncheon — I shall give you a 
 dinner — it may be without soup — it may be a cold 
 dinner, but it will be a dinner. I hope it will be 
 in turkey season, but it should be and must be turkey 
 you know; a regular buffet dinner." 
 
 Kenyon laughed and said. "I am afraid you will 
 have to sell the house and lot to buy the turkey," 
 and they all laughed and the girls laughed until the 
 tears trickled down their faces. Tears often flow for 
 joy as well as sorrow. 
 
 "Well," spoke up one of the men, "Let's have a 
 
THE VOICES 29 
 
 sit down dinner, if only corned beef and cabbage and 
 2.75 beer. Let us vote," and they all voted in favor 
 of corned beef and 2.75 beer on the table. 
 
 "Let's write it down in our diary," said another. 
 "I am anxious for a full pail." 
 
 I "Hurrah for the dinner wherever it is, whatever 
 it is and whenever it is. A vote of thanks too — " 
 
 "Miss Pinker," said one of the girls, "is the dinner 
 proposer and Mr. Bartel the corned beef, beer and a 
 seated dinner." A rising vote of thanks was then 
 proposed by Kenyon for Miss Lynn, Miss Pinker 
 and Mr. Bartel, and all rose to their feet and cheered 
 Kenyon, who after thanking his auditors said, "Now 
 to work." 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 
 Joan had been a±)out two months in the New Con- 
 struction Iron and Steel Plant when the Superin- 
 tendent, Charles Dennon, said to the Foreman, Wal- 
 ter Kenyon, "What is the matter, Kenyon, there 
 seems to be something brewing here — there is a rest- 
 lessness among the workers?" 
 
 "Well, the beautiful stenographer in your office 
 seems to be pretty busy among the girls and the 
 men too." 
 
 "Aha! familiar." 
 
 "No, sir. Her dresses are high up in the neck 
 you know and none of that airy material that some 
 have. No one would venture to say an improper 
 word to her. There is something freezing about her. 
 A regular iceberg. Still she has such winning ways 
 that she can lead others." 
 
 "Don't let her lead you and see that she is not 
 intriguing. Beauties are dangerous commodities." 
 
 "She will take care of herself, I am sure." 
 
 "A don't touch me air; look out for such deceivers. 
 I never did approve of taking women in the plant." 
 
 "It is the times, sir, the times — the women are 
 everywhere." 
 
 "Yes, they will storm the government posts yet — 
 then look out for tempests, and cyclones. They will 
 want and want and get and get until they possess all 
 the earth yields." 
 
 "Not quite so bad as all that," answered Kenyon. 
 
 "Be on the watch and remember you have not 
 been questioned." 
 
THE VOICES 31 
 
 "All right." 
 
 Applegate Torby a perfect specimen of manly 
 strength and possessed of debonair manners came 
 into his oflfice, touched a button and the superintend- 
 ent appeared. 
 
 "Everything humming, I see," said Applegate. 
 "Orders, orders one after the other and all content in 
 the mill. I am glad I did not go East to start this 
 plant instead of in this smiling climate, smiling peo- 
 ple, grasping your hand more than cordially and 
 dining and wining you too. Yes wining you, over- 
 riding poor old prohibition in a thousand ways. I 
 think we should reach out a little for suggestions, 
 regarding improvements in every possible way, — not 
 to interfere too much with the profits you know. 
 Gad, the people want dividends. You take it from 
 the people and give it back to them — a fair exchange. 
 I have not heard as much as I should like about my 
 innovation in the plant, women stenographers and 
 women wherever they can fit in. The governor, my 
 father, Mr. Ashton, the President, and most of the 
 directors were greatly opposed to it — but one must 
 advance with the world." 
 
 "I have a stenographer. Miss Joan Lynn, in the 
 general office of stenographers." 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 "I do not like to worry you with particulars, Mr. 
 Torby — the books — " 
 
 "Never mind books just this minute, I like detail 
 every where sometime, but not now. Is your steno- 
 grapher on the alert — active — very?" 
 
 "Yes, yes," replied the superintendent. 
 
 "Dennon, I wish to see this stenographer." 
 
 "She is a university girl." 
 
32 THE VOICES 
 
 "Good looking?" 
 
 "As beautiful as the stars of heaven." 
 
 "No rhapsody, Dennon. Who is her father?" 
 
 "An ordinary laborer, I hear." 
 
 "Where working?" 
 
 "At the Western Consolidated Steel Corporation." 
 
 "Occupation." 
 
 "Has worked there many years, now a puddler." 
 
 "Hot work," and Applegate moved as if his feet 
 were on a burning furnace and continued, "That 
 Western is a strong union plant. The girl pretty as 
 a picture — old expression — a star of the first mag- 
 nitude, with a university education. No doubt those 
 surrounding her were imbued with her new fangled 
 theories — a reformer — her ideas to prevail reforming 
 the world. And there have sprung up reformers for 
 every conceivable thing under the sun — ending with 
 a paternalism that is truly marvelous for one's good, 
 because we are not allowed to walk alone." 
 
 "I have just found out she is a good talker, a con- 
 vincing talker — " 
 
 "Floating here and there?" asked Applegate. 
 
 "So I hear, Mr. Torby." 
 
 "You hear, you must know. I shall go in where 
 the girl is working — stop — there are a number there, 
 send the girl here — into my office." 
 
 "She will feel honored, Mr. Torby," said Dennon 
 as he went out, escaping Applegate's words. "Damn 
 that man, that hypocrite — she has sugar coated him 
 already. She is dangerous baggage and must be dis- 
 missed at once. Short work with her." 
 
 The superintendent was led on with the senti- 
 ments of Joan harmonizing with the times, and 
 though she had not said anything to him personally. 
 
THE VOICES 33 
 
 her actions spoke it — a subtle, something seemed . to 
 emanate from her. She gave the plant all she could, 
 her labor, her watchfulness, her thought, her effi- 
 ciency, but she was going to demand something in 
 return. He knew more than Kenyon thought he did. 
 He was fully cognizant of everything that occurred 
 in the plant and he concurred fully with Applegate 
 that she would be a disturbing element, but at the 
 same time he echoed the opinion of Kenyon that "she 
 was a peach" which meant to them both the acme of 
 all good things — Perfection. 
 
 Applegate Torby sat in his office, humming a tune 
 when a light knock came at the door. He answered 
 shortly without turning his head, "Come in." 
 
 "Sir, I have come at the orders of Mr. Dennon, I 
 feel—" 
 
 "Truly honored, of course." 
 
 '"Xo, sir; not honored, but pleased to await your 
 orders." 
 
 Applegate, lifting his head at the sound of that 
 sweet, melodious voice, was enraged at himself that 
 Joan appeared like a beautiful vision to him, that 
 she accosted him civilly, but with no deference, and 
 at once realized that her university education was 
 an armor to her which would be difficult to pene- 
 trate. 
 
 "What are you doing there at your desk?" 
 
 "Everything that I am instructed to do and every- 
 thing that pertains to my department. I am proficient 
 in my work." 
 
 "Honesty and integrity of purpose are sometimes 
 more." 
 
 Observing her tremble he continued. "What do 
 you do in your leisure hours?" 
 
34 THE VOICES 
 
 "I do not have much leisure, but — " 
 
 "That time is spent in talking, eh?" 
 
 "Not exactly." 
 
 "Your evenings?" 
 
 "Home with my father." 
 
 "Luncheons?" 
 
 "Here of course." 
 
 "Certainly, that is when you do your talking. 
 Ingratiating, implantmg your ideas upon all those 
 with whom you can influence. Is that your luncheon 
 work?" 
 
 "Are you a confessor?" 
 
 "No, I am simply asking an honest question, such 
 as your employer is supposed to have the privilege of 
 doing." 
 
 "You shall have an honest answer," she replied 
 with dignity, lifting her beautiful eyes to his blazing 
 ones. 
 
 "Are you talking for the good of the plant?" 
 "As I think, yes, as you think, no doubt, no. I 
 work for humanity." 
 
 "You mean for one part of humanity and the other 
 part you push out." 
 
 "I do not push them out." 
 "But you will not let them in." 
 
 "I want to gather them all in the fold. It is a 
 big work." 
 
 "Oh, you are one of those reformers who live on 
 the breath of publicity. Do not brush up that cant. 
 Destruction not construction, pulling down and leav- 
 ing for others to build up if they can on the ruins. 
 Deformers, I call them." 
 
 "Harsh names. Ask your questions more psycho- 
 
THE VOICES 35 
 
 logically to the direct purpose and I shall endeavor 
 not to evade them." 
 
 Thinking it wise not to press the questions too 
 closely, Applegate answered, "You may go, but have 
 a care." And Joan with a bow left the office. 
 
 Applegate touched a button and the superintend- 
 ent appeared. 
 
 "Dennon, watch that girl and report, she is dan- 
 gerous," and as the superintendent walked out, Ap- 
 plegate closed his eyes and said aloud, "Now, I have 
 made the trouble." 
 
 And Charles Torby coming in, looked at his 
 handsome son with pride, ignoring his words, said, 
 "Your brow is cloudy. What can you want? The 
 new plant is doing an immense business, while there 
 are strikes rolling all over the country." 
 
 "Have all struck who want to do so?" inquired 
 Applegate. 
 
 "Well, they have been generous to us, not mo- 
 lesting us at all, and this plant is the only open 
 shop in San Francisco." 
 
 "We are not out of the woods yet, father." 
 
 "Let us cross the bridge when we come to it." 
 
 "I am afraid, father, we shall be compelled to 
 tackle that question. The girls, the stenographers." 
 
 "I warned you against the innovation." 
 
 "I do not deny it." 
 
 "Women, obstinate and capricious, April showers — 
 tears one moment, smiles the next. Oh, 'woman in 
 our hours of ease.' " 
 
 "Do not quote now. Reformers are always in a 
 high fever, especially women." 
 
 "Why rail against women? Women are change- 
 
36 THE VOICES 
 
 able, you know, a privilege, but you can easily gov- 
 ern them." 
 
 "The most ungovernable creatures on earth. 
 Whimsical, capricious, tyrannical, moods and tenses, 
 pretty, cattish. It is said a man can break a broncho, 
 win a prize fight, but cannot govern a woman." 
 
 "My, what a tirade, Applegate. Since when have 
 you felt so bitter against women?" 
 
 "Since I became engaged months ago to that 
 haughty beauty Diana Ashton. I know you can 
 make them do, exactly what they wish to do, so much 
 and no more." 
 
 "Well, you were not engaged before. It is a new 
 experience. You should have been married by this 
 time, I do not believe in long engagements. Learn 
 each other's foibles too well. Short engagements are 
 best. In Europe engagements are made quite form- 
 idable affairs, with their linens, dowers, etc. It is a 
 prenuptial contract. So when there is a breach of 
 contract, which seldom occurs, all those love letters, 
 billings and cooings and promises of love and devo- 
 tion, old time expressions, need not be brought into 
 court to the amusement of an ever curious, morbid 
 crowd, and to the disgust of one side or the other. 
 If your dear mother were alive, you would have been 
 married long ago and could enjoy your matrimonial 
 spats to your heart's content." 
 
 Applegate interrupting, "The divorce mill, so con- 
 venient, so easy." 
 
 "Not so easy, my lad. The alimony, my lad, in 
 proportion to the wealth and social position of the 
 applicant, in fact of both parties, and Diana ranks 
 high. Your mother would be proud of such an alli- 
 ance. Diana is a goddess, you know." 
 
THE VOICES 37 
 
 "But the goddess never married, so that statue is 
 broken. At all events how I wish I had not asked 
 her to pass her summers and winters with me/' 
 groaned Applegate. 
 
 "But you have and she really is a very hand- 
 some, statuesque beauty and men rave over her." 
 
 "But I am afraid I am falling. Can I not turn 
 back, break the engagement? I must, I will." 
 
 No, our honor is at stake. You know Ashton is 
 simply pouring in money in this plant and the success 
 is beyond all expectations. Now, come, do not be 
 impossible. The mill is your conception; employing 
 women along with the times, your idea." 
 
 "Yes, the stenographers are doing fine work." 
 
 "Heigho, Applegate, have you seen some rosebud 
 of a stenographer, and has she looked at you with 
 dreamy eyes — languishing, dying for you in appeal. 
 Forget those things now. Bend your eyes on the 
 New Construction Iron and Steel Plant — union de- 
 mands or not. It needs money and more money like 
 a hungry monster." 
 
 "It is a ravenous beast hunting for prey and I 
 am to be the prey. Is that so?" 
 
 "Let me hear no more. Money, money, the force 
 of the world. Those who decry it most, want it 
 most, the simple life is a fable." 
 
 "There is one thing, father, I do not understand; 
 that is why there is such a cry for an increase of 
 population." 
 
 "I suppose there are innumerable things that many 
 of us do not understand." 
 
 "But this persistent cry," said Applegate earn- 
 estly, "and proposed in so many ways, that life, mar- 
 riage, everything loses its sacredness, bah !" 
 
38 THE VOICES 
 
 "Most likely as not, it is reviving the answer, 
 'Food for cannon.' " 
 
 "It is a serious problem," returned Applegate. 
 "Yes, there is where the open shop comes in. It 
 gives work for all the unemployed at living wages 
 and production, production — the downfall of an- 
 archy." 
 
 "There is a good deal in what you say, father." 
 
 "The open shop, the hope for all." 
 
 "My candid belief and I say so too," said Apple- 
 gate. 
 
 "It is not 'The Man with the Hoe' but the man 
 without the hoe, that is the trouble." 
 
 As his father left, Applegate touched the button 
 and the Superintendent entered. 
 
 "Dennon," said Applegate, "do you think ■ the 
 stenographer, Joan Lynn, is a little too decided in her 
 views?" 
 
 "Decided, in what way?" 
 
 "Pronounced. How do the girls act since she has 
 come to her desk — a little more talking, a little more 
 laxity?" 
 
 "On the contrary, Mr. Torby." 
 
 "How can that be, she is pressing to govern 
 them?" 
 , "No, not that, but—" 
 
 "She should attend to her own duties not to the 
 others. Your work." 
 
 "Oh, do not misunderstand. She never interferes. 
 If the girls talk a little, slack a little, not as decorous 
 as they might be; without scarcely the lifting of an 
 eyebrow her subtle influence is felt.'' 
 
 "You are too much under her influence yourself. 
 Facts are the things that speak." 
 
THE VOICES 39 
 
 "I do not think—" 
 
 "Send the girl to me." 
 
 "Very well." 
 
 In a few moments Joan appeared. 
 
 Applegate barely looked at her and said with 
 some sharpness, "I think it well to talk over matters 
 with you again." 
 
 "I have not changed since I left you." 
 
 "Certainly not," returned Applegate in a harsh 
 voice, "but possibly we did not exactly understand 
 each other." 
 
 "I am perfectly willing to enlighten you." 
 
 "To enlighten me, ha, ha! You are one of those 
 women, those decided militant suffragettes. I wish 
 I had a few more adjectives at my command." 
 
 "I may help j^u," said Joan, a little bitterly, but 
 coolly. 
 
 "There is one thing, I should like for you to un- 
 derstand, that is if you are really intending to stir up 
 things here." 
 
 "Well," said Joan, "if I am?" 
 
 "Well," returned Applegate. 
 
 "Proceed," and Joan seated herself firmly in her 
 chair and Applegate looked at her sternly. 
 
 "You are committing a wrong." 
 
 "A wrong?" 
 
 "Yes, in these times of economic necessity for 
 production and more production to create a disturb- 
 ance." 
 
 "Different views, Mr. Torby." 
 
 "Employees should work for the benefit of their 
 employers." 
 
 "An exploded theory to-day. Where would the 
 employees be without the Unions?" 
 
40 THE VOICES 
 
 "They would be in a — 'i said Applegate hesitat- 
 ingly. 
 
 "Not in such an improved condition as today," 
 said Joan. "I assure you if you unionize your plant, 
 you will have good, faithful workers; they will earn 
 their wages." 
 
 "You say so, but they do not abide by contracts, 
 and then what?" 
 
 "They would if I unionize them do what they 
 promise." 
 
 "Have they always done so?" 
 
 "Things change you know." 
 
 "Indeed they do. We know that children fifty 
 years ago, even in cold climates, mind you, went to 
 school — to be in school, at eight o'clock in winter; 
 sometimes to walk a few miles, and were in school 
 at a quarter of eight in summer. Sessions com- 
 menced in the afternoon from one to five o'clock in 
 winter and from one to half past five in summer. 
 The children were well and happy and were taught 
 there was something to respect in life. There are no 
 children to-day. Their eyes are opened to all the 
 evils of life and there are more crimes committed 
 by children, more suicides by children and more in- 
 sanity (in adults too) than the world has ever known, 
 notwithstanding all the splendid philanthropic soci- 
 eties and scientific charity." 
 
 "You are moralizing, Mr. Torby." 
 
 "I may be, but things have gone too far. I be- 
 lieve in play for children. In recreation for every 
 human being if it can be done, but it cannot be done 
 on the scale of to-day — all play and no work." 
 
 "I agree with you there. Work is the panacea 
 for every trouble, in poverty, sorrow and death." 
 
THE VOICES 41 
 
 "And every time there is a strike what a loss to 
 labor itself," said Applegate. 
 
 "True, true," said Joan. 
 
 "Fifty years ago, Americanism did not have to 
 be taught. It was burned into the very soul of the 
 people by the very joy of it. It was born with every 
 man and woman, who sang lulla-bys to their children 
 with it and when children read their history at 
 school they thanked God for their Nationality. So 
 for the immigrants, America, the Land of Liberty, 
 was their thoughts by day and their dreams at night. 
 They saved, they starved, anything only to get to 
 America." 
 
 "Yes, but now?" said Joan. 
 
 "Now, a great many aliens come over with the 
 same ideas that prevail in their own countries, mostly 
 despotic governments, where they were formerly 
 serfs and in rebellion to their governments and then 
 they continue protesting and stir up or wish to stir 
 up the same rebellious actions in this country." 
 
 "True, true, Mr. Torby." 
 
 "But they must be taught that this is America, 
 and a republic. Oh, our beloved America, to think 
 that we of the present day, looking backwards, should 
 be in the danger zone." 
 
 "True, true,' Mr. Torby." 
 
 "Then you see your error," said Applegate eagerly. 
 
 "I see unionism, the goal of the workmen," said 
 Joan. 
 
 "You will not be convinced?" 
 
 " 'A man convinced against his will, is of the same 
 opinion still.' " 
 
 Do not bring your education, or rather your mem- 
 ory here." 
 
42 THE VOICES 
 
 "Sir," replied Joan, angered by the taunt, but out- 
 wardly composed, "it is time for our talk to end. It 
 is a waste of fuel.'' 
 
 "Women are obstinate, headstrong creatures, rush- 
 ing forward to destruction, not caring whom they 
 drag down in their mad career." 
 
 "Sir, enough," returned Joan, rising. 
 
 "As is true, woman trusts to her intuitions, she 
 does not work according to deliberate thought, but 
 man is a mathematician and exercises his judgment." 
 
 Joan replied, "I am governed by my voices. Good 
 day." 
 
 As she went out, Applegate called, "Come back, 
 come back Joan," but she was gone and his cry was 
 lost. 
 
CHAPTER IV. 
 
 "I generally avoid a five o'clock car, but I am 
 going into a crowded street car late this afternoon," 
 said Mrs. Wotton to a lady friend, "and see for my- 
 self about the politeness of men to the weaker sex. 
 I am not the one to blame men too much for re- 
 maining seated. Women before the war invaded 
 men's territory to a degree only, but since the war 
 they have worked in positions for which they were 
 deemed constitutionally unfit and have now invaded 
 all fields, even high government positions. As they 
 have taken all these privileges, no doubt the men 
 feel inclined to let them have the privilege of stand- 
 ing also." 
 
 "And I say right too, especially when the laborers 
 come home," returned her friend. 
 
 "But many girls come home from work too. Come 
 with me," said Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 "Ta ta. Let me know how you fare and your 
 experience this afternoon. I should accompany you, 
 but I must rush home for tea and put on my love 
 of a dress. So many social duties call on me that it 
 is even fatiguing to think of them. Good-bye, dear- 
 est Margaret, you have enough to do to think of your 
 admirers without going on so many tours of investi- 
 gation. Be sure you do not forget to receive with 
 me next Tuesday. No affair of mine is complete 
 without you. You throw your blandishments over 
 women as well as over men. Good-bye; do not 
 forget." 
 
 Mrs. Wotton, thinking aloud said, "'If she had 
 
44 THE VOICES 
 
 continued talking, her postscript would be longer 
 than her letter." 
 
 About standing, women really have themselves 
 to blame, but American women dislike to think and 
 most of all to feel that men have lost their chivalry 
 or rather courtesy. Mrs. Wotton was also desirous 
 of observing the effect of dress on men and what im- 
 pression age would make, which would indicate the 
 principles they had learned at their mother's knee. 
 Mrs. Wotton, continuing to think aloud, "I am glad 
 it is my personal maid's afternoon out. I shall dress 
 well for my ride, a black dress, a bit of white chiffon, 
 mingled with a bit of white lace, winding in and out, 
 a bit of coquetry. I would not be a young widow if 
 I did not possess it in a very, very small degree. No 
 jewelry, of course that would be abominable in a 
 street car, unless one were going to a tea, then a 
 cloak would cover it. And now my becoming hat 
 with plumes. A hat must be becoming and I shall 
 be charming to myself, that is as charming as I can 
 be." And at the end of her soliloquy, Mrs. Margaret 
 Wotton laughed aloud. And sure enough at ten 
 minutes past five, the charming widow gave prima 
 facie evidence of "Beware of widders," and hailed a 
 crowded street car. Men, women and children were 
 standing — a few women with babies in arms and little 
 ones tugging on their skirts. Every strap was taken 
 and every available inch of space was occupied. Some 
 few men were so immersed in their papers that they 
 did not see anything. When the widow came in she 
 made a commotion as she anticipated by lending a 
 helping hand here and there. A fairly young man 
 said to his companion, possibly the same age, "I am 
 
THE VOICES 45 
 
 going to do the customary thing, give my seat to that 
 young woman." 
 
 "As you have been seated for some time, Culten, 
 and women and children have been knocked from 
 one end of the car to the other, it is quite evident, 
 I regret to admit that you are only rising for youth 
 and beauty." But Culten had already pressed for- 
 ward and with a bow and tipping of his hat, said, 
 "Have my seat. Madam." 
 
 "No thanks," and the widow smiled bewitchingly. 
 Culten nearly lost his own seat and said to his com- 
 panion, "By Jove, to resist me!" 
 
 "You must be growing old." 
 
 "By Jove, do not say so. I do not want any vis- 
 itor of that name, old age, sending in his card and 
 he will not I am sure for years to come. If I were 
 a woman I should simply take out my mirror and 
 powder pufif with a dash of rouge and presto, trans- 
 formation scene." 
 
 "Which you may do when you get home, no 
 doubt." 
 
 "You are a cynic," retorted Culten. 
 
 "No, I do not belong to that school." 
 
 In the meantime the car was speeding and an- 
 other stop and another stop was made, more passen- 
 gers coming on, but apparently none going out. Then 
 there was a woman with a child in her arms and one 
 clutching her dress, when the car gave a lurch and 
 the child would have fallen at her feet if Mrs. Wot- 
 ton had not grasped her firmly by the hand. Two 
 laboring men rose and said gruffly, "Seats." Mrs. 
 Wotton seated the woman with her babe first and 
 then sat down and took the child by the hand and 
 said, "Crowd in between us. You are such a little 
 
46 THE VOICES 
 
 tot and we are not Amazons." Upon which a one- 
 legged soldier arose. "My seat for the little one, 
 Madam." 
 
 "By no means," returned Mrs. Wotton, "would 
 we deprive you of your seat — quite enough room," 
 and she soon had the child comfortably seated. Num- 
 bers of men were intensely interested in what was 
 occurring in Kamchatka, with their heads deeply 
 buried in their newspapers. The two friends looked 
 at each other and smiled grimly. 
 
 Joan entered the car just in time to drink in the 
 scene. Culten having now gained courage, said to 
 his companion, "Hardwick, the firmament seems to 
 be falling in around us. The girl who just entered, 
 by Jove, she is a radiant creature — a celestial vision. 
 I think I shall take this car every day. Your quar- 
 ters for investigation too." 
 
 "I am a little ashamed of myself, but the inves- 
 tigation deterred me from going forward," said Hard- 
 wick, and continued: "Offer her your seat." 
 
 "I am afraid of these divinities, cracked craniums 
 might be the result." 
 
 And Joan with her dreamy eyes stood erect, cling- 
 ing to a strap which she had fortunately taken ad- 
 vantage of when the car stopped and Peter Lynn 
 came in and a very ordinary laborer he looked. "Fa- 
 ther," cried Joan, "you look tired. I am sorry I can- 
 not offer you a seat." 
 
 "It was different in my days whenever man 
 jumped outa seat for woman, but now — " 
 
 "Not so loud, father." 
 
 "What I care? It's no lie." 
 
 "But then, father," replied Joan, "women did not 
 desire to rush out into the world to make their own 
 
THE VOICES 47 
 
 fortunes, usurp men's work in many places, and so 
 It is right that we take the bitter with the sweet and 
 this standing is one of our standing privileges." 
 
 A loud guffaw burst forth from some of the men 
 near her and others looked at her with varied emo- 
 tions. And some of the workers said: "A new speci- 
 men of suffragette who desires homage from man — 
 a sensible girl." 
 
 "The lirst one I ever met," said Culten to Hard- 
 wick. 
 
 "No, Joan, we don't get out here by five blocks. 
 What's matter with yer? You've forgotten wher' 
 you live?" 
 
 But Joan, embarrassed by her father and the re- 
 marks she occasioned, pushed and hustled him along 
 until they were on the sidewalk and the car went 
 speeding away. 
 
 "Do not be so indignant, father." 
 "What yer mean by cuttin' up so?" 
 "I simply could not stand to see those faces leer- 
 ing at me, so I used a little camouflage to get you 
 away. Camouflage must be a good word, because it 
 must be used in this world, I suppose. I hate it any- 
 way. Then in the car I saw a beautiful woman who 
 looked at me kindly and motioned me to bring you 
 to her seat, but I was forced to go; yielding to a 
 power beyond me, I was so bewildered I did not 
 even smile my thanks." 
 
 "And yer work to unionize the plant?" 
 "That still requires time." 
 "Yer say the same thin' all th' time." 
 "I am so sorry I cannot say otherwise." 
 "Ther're strikes goin' all th' time, but yer do not- 
 tin you've been ther long enough. I say end it. If 
 
48 THE VOICES 
 
 yer want, John and Mayme are comin' over tonight 
 and we'll talk it over." 
 
 "Not tonight, father, not tonight. I shall retire 
 early. Anyway, I dislike that gum-chewing girl." 
 
 "Not good enuf fer yer, varsity gal?" 
 
 "Social likes and dislikes must adjust themselves." 
 
 "Well, come on, let's get home an' have dinner. 
 I'll do anythin' fer yer, but yer mus' unionize that 
 plant. Unionize, unionize." 
 
 "Mr. Applegate Torby sent for me today and told 
 me he was very much dissatisfied with the reports, 
 and if I did not mend my course he would discharge 
 me. But I think the workers will stand by me and 
 my heart is so bound up in the work that I shrink 
 at the thought that I may not succeed. I am sure 
 though if he will let me carry out the work com- 
 plete in all details he will not regret it." 
 
 "Well, no more, chile. War near home and now 
 the dinner pail, then to bed and rest; Tomorrow'll 
 be brighter." 
 
 " 'Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof !' " ad- 
 ded Joan, and when she went to her room, wept and 
 prayed. Joan, the spirit of Jeanne d'Arc, tells me 
 there is work for me in this world. Her call was 
 defined, but mine is not yet. I do not see my vis- 
 ions clearly. My voices are clamoring, but the call 
 is indefinite. Yet, I am sure I shall be led into the 
 right path." 
 
 After Joan and her father left the car, Hardwick 
 said to Culten : "Fine girl." 
 
 "Beautiful girl. Thank God, this world is a gar- 
 den full of flowers." 
 
 "But she is not blooming for you." 
 
THE VOICES 49 
 
 ''Oh, you are the one to pluck the lily from the 
 stem and wear it in your buttonhole." 
 
 "No, no. You are oflf the track. The other charm- 
 ing woman has nettled you. I am stopping here." 
 And before Culten could tell where he was in the 
 crowd, Hardwick had vanished and followed Mrs. 
 Wotton, who had gone with the poor woman, taking 
 the child by the hand and walked off with them to 
 the cottage. 
 
 After a short stay Mrs. Wotton came out of the 
 cottage, beckoned her chauffeur, who, according to 
 instruction, had followed the street car, and walked 
 briskly to her limousine, tripped over a branch, but 
 did not fall. Hardwick rushed to her assistance. His 
 sudden appearance startled her more than her triv- 
 ial accident. 
 
 With profuse thanks in a quick but most gracious 
 way, Mrs. Wotton sank back in her seat and laughed 
 at the whole incident. 
 
 By the aid of the reading lamps he caught the 
 number of the limousine, hoping it might be a future 
 guide, when he quickly turned and knocked boldly 
 at the cottage door and inquired of the woman his 
 way to the city. That he was a stranger and lost 
 his way and he thought he recognized a friend of 
 his in the limousine that had just driven away. He 
 felt rather guilty at this deception, but under these 
 circumstances he thought it entirely justifiable. "Did 
 she leave her name with you?" he ventured to ask. 
 "The good lady," said the woman, her tongue made 
 voluble by this unexpected Godsend, "she didn't, but 
 she gave me some money, promised to send some food 
 tomorrow and to look after me every now and then." 
 
 "She will put in a good stock for you, I am sure. 
 
50 THE VOICES 
 
 She must be a fairy godmother." 
 
 "She may be a fairy," returned the woman, "for she 
 is not a bit stiff-necked. She just took me by the hand 
 and helped me out of the car and my kid by the hand 
 and walked along the street to this home as if we 
 were somebody high and then comes into the house 
 and gives me twenty dollars in paper money. That 
 is a heart for you; I simply had to throw the baby 
 on the bed and sit down, I was that glad and faint, 
 so you see all the good people are not dead yet." 
 
 "I hope not," replied Hardwick. 
 
 "I feel with all my troubles, though, I have been 
 weak, thinking where the bread and milk for the kids 
 would come from the next morning. So far it has 
 come, and today — the beautiful lady." 
 
 "Yes," answered Hardwick, "I am confident the 
 Lord will provide through the beautiful lady." 
 
 "You see, sir, my husband, God rest his soul, died 
 in France a few months ago. This boy on the bed 
 was nine weeks old when his father came in one 
 night and said he heard the bugle call him to France 
 and he must obey. And I do not know to this day 
 whether he was drafted or whether he had thought 
 of it in his brain so long that his mind gave way a 
 little under the strain and he thought he heard the 
 call, but he went and is buried somewhere in France. 
 If I were rich, I mean rich enough to go there or 
 find out here or at Washington where he is buried, 
 then I could try to have him brought here. It would 
 be such a comfort to have him lying where I could 
 put a flower on his grave. I don't believe I could 
 beg or steal for the little ones, but I would steal 
 flowers for his grave if I could not buy them and 
 my holidays would be spent around that grave with 
 
THE VOICES 51 
 
 my little ones." and the tears rolled down her face 
 thick and fast, and the little girl cried to see her 
 mother give way to weeping, and the baby joined in 
 the chorus. 
 
 "My good woman, you have been sorely tried in 
 defense of your — our country, but I am sure — " 
 
 "Don't say another word; I would rather have 
 him dead in that far-away France than have him a 
 slacker here. I have called the baby boy Andrew 
 Kerry after his father and when he grows up I can 
 tell him and be proud about it that his father died 
 for his country. But who can or will try to get him 
 here so I can tend to his grave, and so that I, if not 
 the children, can have the thought of when my call 
 comes to rest by his side?" And her tears flowed 
 afresh. "Oh, sir, I hear there are thirty thousand 
 graves of America's sons and adopted sons in one 
 big cemetery in France. Is it true, sir?" 
 
 Hardwick turned aside and said : "Let us take one 
 grief and one purpose at a time — too many troubles 
 at one time confuse the mind." 
 
 "But, sir—" 
 
 "You see, my good woman, everything in nature 
 serves a purpose," and quoted the following lines: 
 
 "No drop but serves the slowly lifting tide, 
 No dew but has an errand to some flower. 
 No smallest star but shows some helpful ray. 
 And man by man, each giving to all the rest 
 Makes the firm bulwark of the country's power; 
 There is no better way." 
 
 "And now, my good woman, I am in a position 
 to help you, but if unable to do so in the way I should 
 like, it will eventually be possible to secure a little 
 plot of ground for you here and have a small monu- 
 
52 THE VOICES 
 
 ment erected in the memory of your husband and 
 you may have flowers all around it and a rose bush 
 on each side, too." 
 
 "Oh, what a load off my heart, because I feel that 
 you will try and that you are honest." 
 
 Hardwick said: "Now let me give you a bit of 
 advice. Do not let every one come in as you did 
 me in these times. Doors should be closed and hearts 
 open. I am coming back in a week or so. In the 
 meantime have the name of your husband, his rank, 
 in what company, and everything connected with 
 him, and I shall see about your pension, too. That 
 is, place it in proper hands for you. And I shall not 
 forget the monument." 
 
 And Mrs. Kerry fell on her knees and prayed, 
 and Hardwick went out. And she jumped up and 
 called after him : "God bless you. Your street car — " 
 but he had already boarded his car and was on his 
 way to the city. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 
 "Ah, Diana, if I were you I should be a bit more 
 gracious than you are to Applegate," and Mr. Harry 
 Ashton gazed on his beautiful daughter with a look 
 replete with satisfied ambition, and at the same time 
 looked around the stately room of his palatial man- 
 sion overlooking the bay with its magnificent fleet 
 guarding the entrance into San Francisco. 
 
 "I am Diana the banker's daughter. Let him be 
 a little more enthusiastic about me. I demand 
 homage." 
 
 "Indeed, you are fitly named for your mytholog- 
 ical ancestor. Goddess as you are, no one but a king 
 or a prince should you wed, eh?" 
 
 "This is a barren country for such products. In- 
 deed, to allow Applegate to become engaged to me 
 I made him bend, but not enough." 
 
 "No, child, do not attempt to make him bend too 
 far. This is America, and equality, you know, other- 
 wise like a steel blade, it will snap if bent too far." 
 Seeing a frown on her lovely face, he continued : 
 "Senator Algernon Athelstane, as I old you a few 
 days ago, the youngest Senator of the United States, 
 is coming to dinner tonight. Show him your angelic 
 side. We all have dual natures to a degree. Make 
 Applegate furiously jealous." 
 
 "I shall make him so jealous that his face will be 
 green on one side and yellow on the other." 
 
 "On consideration, I suggest a moderate course." 
 
 "Father, I—" 
 
 "Remember, he is an only son, with a doting 
 father, no mother, no mother-in-law, an instinctive 
 
54 THE VOICES 
 
 money maker — see the success of the New Plant? 
 It will stretch out far and wide. With our millions 
 to back it, beyond our dreams." ' 
 
 "You exaggerate our millions and Applegate's 
 ability." 
 
 "I think not," replied Ashton. 
 
 "You forget this is a city of unionism, father." 
 
 "There is no doubt about that. Remember, Ap- 
 plegate is a man among men, to my idea, and he can- 
 not always be writing sonnets to my lady's eyebrows, 
 though she is a luminary of the first order. I leave 
 it to your sagacity. It will bring him to scent the 
 danger — the signal will be out." 
 
 The guests arriving were received cordially and 
 graciously by father and daughter. Diana was es- 
 corted to dinner by Applegate Torby and seated be- 
 tween him and Senator Athelstane. The Senator 
 was given a young woman of the intellectual type, 
 but at this dinner he did not appreciate psychology 
 and geology, so turned to the star on the other side, 
 Diana, and while she was thus engaged Applegate 
 was compelled to divert his mind with the Titian- 
 haired beauty at his side. 
 
 Mrs. Wotton's dinner companion was Congress- 
 man Wittington Hardwick, much to her amusement 
 and to the great joy of the Congressman, to be with 
 his inamorata, a coveted place for him. His host was 
 a fine telepathist, to be sure, and he considered it 
 a good omen for his future hopes and it sharpened 
 his wits like wine during the evening. Also he did 
 not fail to inquire with an anxious glance if her slight 
 fall had caused her any discomfort and smiled when 
 relieved of his anxiety. Mr. Charles Torby was hap- 
 pily seated by one of his friends. Mr. Ashton had 
 
THE VOICES 55 
 
 given the seat of honor on his right to one of the 
 wealthiest women of America. She was literally cov- 
 ered with diamonds and pearls bought from the spoils 
 of the downfall of the ex-royalties and nobility. She 
 laughed at everything and said nothing. Current 
 events were not at her command that day, as her 
 coach had been attacked with influenza; also too 
 much Red Cross work had fatigued her. Diana re- 
 marked to the Senator that the lady was a holly- 
 hock of the gaudiest hue, to which he emphatically 
 assented. 
 
 After the Epicurean feast and the flow of wine, 
 which most people think unlocks the flow of wit and 
 soul, while others think it locks it, Mr. Ashton, ris- 
 ing, said: "Friends, there are no toasts this evening. 
 Apropos to the subject, I read an anecdote of a little 
 boy who asked his father why after-dinner speeches 
 were generally called toasts, was told they were gen- 
 erally dry, and I say, possibly, ere long they will be 
 entirely dry." And prolonged laughter followed this 
 facetious remark. "Of course, in comparison with 
 the brilliant minds assembled here this evening, my 
 few words might be flat and dry, so I have taken the 
 safest course by omitting toasts." And prolonged 
 applause followed these remarks. 
 
 Mr. Ashton raised his hand and continued, a little 
 pompously: "What sight could be more inspiring 
 than to see the ships, the forerunners of the great 
 fleet that will be sailing in our magnificent harbor — 
 the greatest, finest in the world, none excepted ? Yes, 
 the ships obscured by a passing cloud one moment 
 and the next under an azure sky, denoting all clouds 
 will pass away. The ships are the messengers of 
 peace to protect our shores from invasions. Never did 
 
56 THE VOICES 
 
 San Francisco look so beautiful to me. Its hills, its 
 skyscrapers, the shores of the other side of the bay- 
 seen in a haze, gave it a picturesqueness and a pan- 
 oramic view that made my heart throb with an en- 
 thusiastic sense of joy that I was born an American." 
 A click of glasses followed, and when the musicians 
 played the Star Spangled Banner, that dear old song 
 that stirs our hearts to its very depths, every one 
 arose and joined in the singing. 
 
 "It costs millions and will cost millions to main- 
 tain that fleet, but it is our protection. Such men 
 as you and I support that protection. We pay heavy 
 taxes, and I am glad, very glad, that I am able to 
 do that for my country," said Ashton proudly. 
 
 "It is well," said Senator Athelstane; "it is all for 
 democracy and we must do our utmost for that great 
 principle." 
 
 While each one had a word to say to his or her 
 neighbor, Diana said to Athelstane: "What a pity. 
 Senator, you are not a Native Son." 
 
 "It may be a pity, 'but pity 'tis true, 'tis true, 'tis 
 pity.' While I love California for its flowers and sun- 
 shine, its fruits and winds, and above all things for 
 its fair women, the most beautiful and fairest of all 
 lands, I love my own dear State to live in and I hope 
 to die in it. Such is love for one's State, for one's 
 country." 
 
 "I admire your sentiment," replied Diana. 
 
 "I appreciate your good opinion and excellent 
 judgment," returned Athelstane. 
 
 "I am afraid," spoke Mrs. Wotton, "we are going 
 further and further from democracy; we are endeav- 
 oring to imitate Europe in splendor and have a Re- 
 publican Court at Washington that has lost so much 
 
THE VOICES 57 
 
 of the simplicity of» the days of Washington and 
 Jefferson." 
 
 Hardwick looked at her with a warm glow in his 
 cheeks. 
 
 "I differ with you," said Diana coldly. "We are 
 indebted to Europe for a great deal; for art, for 
 science, for literature, and it is bringing us in touch 
 with royalty and the nobility. You must remember 
 too that many of our great families are indirectly or 
 remotely connected with royalty, which gives addi- 
 tional glamour to the visits and receptions that follow 
 and bring our countries closer together. I am fond 
 of gold braid and buttons, too, and insignia of all 
 kinds of rank and power, and we shall all be able 
 to pass our time very agreeably in America and in 
 San Francisco, too; if not, then in Washington and 
 New York." 
 
 "Well spoken, Miss Ashton," said the Senator. 
 
 "Possibly," returned Mrs. Wotton, "I have not 
 that elasticity of your far bending and walking back- 
 wards." 
 
 "And I intend being patriotic, too, and spend 
 my money in our own dear America — that is, in San 
 Francisco and Washington or New York — with pos- 
 sibly an occasional trip to Paris, you see," added 
 Diana. 
 
 "Europe will certainly miss us," returned Mrs. 
 Wotton. "As I remember before the war, one woman 
 remarked, who made long and frequent pilgrimages 
 to France, 'I cannot live without my dear Paree.' " 
 
 "Thank heaven, we have inherited that feeling 
 from our ancestors and that we have ancestors," re- 
 torted Diana. 
 
 "Let us not trouble about our ancestors, but think 
 
58 THE VOICES 
 
 of what our descendants, who Vill think of our ac- 
 tions of today," said Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 And Hardwick looked at her tenderly and said: 
 "I agree with you fully." 
 
 "The League of Nations is the talk of the day," 
 said the Senator, "and I am for that League without 
 reservations." 
 
 "So am I," said Diana quickly. 
 
 "And I," said the Congressman, "with reserva- 
 tions." 
 
 "And I for whatever will promote peace, a real 
 peace, not a peace ratification where there is no 
 peace, but war," returned Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 "And I," said Diana hotly "approve of Senator 
 Athektane's views — a League without reservations, 
 the League, the League." 
 
 "But so far," returned Mrs. Wotton sweetly, "the 
 League has not eliminated war and the people and I 
 with them do so long for peace." 
 
 "Cigars or cigarettes, ladies?" 
 
 The ladies turned promptly to the cigarettes. 
 Mrs. Wotton answered, "I do not smoke." 
 
 "Dear Madam," said Hardwick, "you are a phe- 
 nomenon." 
 
 "That is the reason, dear Mrs. Wotton," returned 
 Diana, "you have not the vision to see how the 
 League will pacify the whole world with its beauty 
 and humanity of peace." 
 
 Mrs. Wotton replied: "I am deeply troubled to 
 see our own dear America disturbed. I would have 
 'Our Boys' fight on our shores for the protection 
 of our own country and in foreign lands only when 
 the honor of our country is at stake." 
 
 "Now," said Applegate, "I should like to say — " 
 
THE VOICES 59 
 
 "Indeed," returned Diana lightly, "I believe busi- 
 ness men should attend to business strictly and not 
 interfere with business of State." 
 
 "Indeed, dear Miss Ashton, possibly no one should 
 be more concerned than business men with large in- 
 terests representing labor, capital and the people," 
 said Mr. Charles Torby. 
 
 "Now, Diana," said Applegate, having somewhat 
 recovered his equilibrium, "you see women have not 
 yet been able to think quite clearly on great subjects. 
 They reach out blindly. No doubt in time they will 
 learn to come into their just inheritance." 
 
 "I quite agree with you," said Mrs. Wotton. "It 
 takes time for the adjustment of such serious prob- 
 lems." 
 
 "Of course," returned Applegate gallantly, "there 
 are exceptions to every rule, but I must admit that 
 I feel it would be a public calamity to have a woman 
 in the Presidential Chair or nominated for President 
 in the 1920 campaign." 
 
 Diana, maddened by this open attack on two sides, 
 threw away her cigarette, which she was holding 
 deftly and gracefully between her jeweled fingers, and 
 said: "Man, civilized man, has yet to learn to 
 suppress his own small feelings in the presence of 
 woman." 
 
 "But, dear Diana," said Applegate, "you must not 
 see the mote in your neighbor's eye and not see the 
 beam in your own." 
 
 "And now," said the Senator in a laughing way, 
 "I am the chevalier who would come to the rescue 
 of Miss Ashton if I did not think she had already 
 paid back in full coin to any one who says a woman 
 is not able to do whatever she wants to do, and I 
 
60 THE VOICES 
 
 am confident she is fully capable of doing anything 
 that has been done by woman in any age." 
 
 And aside to Diana: "When you rage, a tempest 
 in your fury, Helen of Troy for beauty would lose 
 in a contest with you." 
 
 "What has woman ever invented to relieve her 
 necessities? Man came to her aid with his inven- 
 tions. A clothes wringer, for instance, a churn and 
 every conceivable thing in the culinary department. 
 Woman's inventive demonstration is not on a par 
 with her mental equality. Notwithstanding that man, 
 w hose works fill encyclopedias, falls a willing captive 
 or victim to her wiles," said Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 "That indicates," said Mr. Torby, Senior, "that 
 with woman's emancipation and political ability, it 
 is to be hoped that these concessions will not impair 
 her feminine attributes, which would be a loss to 
 civilization; that her influence will be uplifting; and 
 in that quarter where that will not be the result, she 
 will wisely withdraw into her territory." 
 
 "That is demanding too much of woman," replied 
 all the men in a chorus. "Give power to any one 
 and take it away, it would be considered enslave- 
 ment." 
 
 "Woman is not altogether an angel," one woman 
 ventured to say. 
 
 "Woman must not pass judgment on herself," 
 spoke Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 "I am afraid I have raised a hornet's nest and 
 retract, possibly, the wisdom of it; I acknowledge 
 my error," said Mr. Torby, Senior, gaily. 
 
 "Now," said Senator Athelstane, "as there are so 
 many pros and cons relative to existing conditions, I 
 think it would be a good plan to call a mass meet- 
 
THE VOICES 61 
 
 ing where all these questions may be discussed like 
 at an open forum — get different views on the sub- 
 ject. It is necessary that the people should obtain 
 all the information possible." 
 
 "Excellent," cried Diana, glancing approvingly at 
 the Senator. "It will take immensely with the public." 
 
 "Very good," said Mr. Ashton and Mr. Charles 
 Torby simultaneously, wishing to pour oil on the 
 troubled waters. 
 
 "A wise thought and I concur heartily in the 
 project. Senator, and so does my fair neighbor, Miss 
 Rosetti," said Applegate in a free and easy way. 
 
 "And so do I," answered Mrs. Wotton. "We must 
 hear about all subjects at different angles. Opinions 
 from every one, and what do you say. Congressman 
 Hardwick?" 
 
 In a loud voice Hardwick replied: "Most heartily. 
 The idea is a taking one." Then in a low tone: "I 
 shall follow you as closely as you will permit me." 
 
 "What a gorgeous room," said the widow, smiling 
 enchantingly. 
 
 "Could it be otherwise with such a brilliant set- 
 ting?" with a glance that did not conceal its shaft. 
 
 "An exaggeration; the scintillations of diamonds 
 do not reach so very far. I am afraid I do not stand 
 very high in your estimation with the comparison." 
 
 "Please do not say that. Comparisons are — " 
 
 "That is just the reason," and Mrs. Wotton looked 
 at him sweetly, but a little maliciously. 
 
 "I really mean that you would inspire anyone to 
 do his best to live up to your ideals." 
 
 Mrs. Wotton feared it would be treading on dan- 
 gerous ground to be browsing on one spot too long; 
 that she had already ventured too far; so she veered 
 
62 THE VOICES 
 
 around and spoke of the widow with the two chil- 
 dren and what she had promised to do for her and 
 that she spoke in the fullness of her heart of her 
 gratitude to the kind gentleman who had been to 
 see her accidentally to inquire which car to take and 
 left her with such glowing promises that he could 
 do and would do to perpetuate the memory of her 
 husband." 
 
 Then Mr. Hardwick informed her he was the gen- 
 tleman to whom she referred and she said : "I sur- 
 mised as much. 
 
 "I shall not forget the widow," said Hardwick, 
 with emphasis on widow. 
 
 In the meantime the Senator was not losing his 
 opportunity. "I think," he said to Diana, "with your 
 judgment and your beauty you could lead a man to 
 an empire." 
 
 "You flatter me beyond my capabilities. You mag- 
 nify my qualifications." 
 
 "And I hope you love America," said Athelstane. 
 
 "With all my heart, notwithstanding I love titles." 
 
 "To be the President's wife, the first lady in this 
 glorious land, this model republic should be your am- 
 bition; for America," and he spoke with fervor and 
 heartfelt emotion, "is the greatest nation on earth." 
 
 And Diana gladly let the Senator monopolize her 
 attention for the enjoyment of her own captivating 
 powers and, as she hoped, to the mortification of Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
 The dinner passed as such dinners generally do — 
 heartaches for some and heart's ease for others. 
 
 Congressman Hardwick had the unalloyed pleas- 
 ure of seeing Mrs. Wotton to the door of her home 
 with the coveted invitation to drop in to tea and 
 
THE VOICES 63 
 
 he went home to his hotel with the determination 
 that not a day should pass ere he would avail himself 
 of her hospitality. Hardwick was one who could not 
 put himself in touch with Tagore, Wordsworth or 
 Whitman; he had his definite ideas on immortality 
 and did not care for absorption; he preferred the 
 wear and tear of life with its joys and sorrows. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Applegate Torby had sent for Joan several times, 
 each and every time determined to discharge her 
 without further question, but not knowing exactly 
 the extent of her powers, yielded to her beauty and 
 a subtle, undefinable something that overcame him in 
 her presence. Woman is said to be a mass of con- 
 tradictions, and so is man. Diana's more than in- 
 difference at the dinner, her studied taunt, combined 
 with her approving glances at the Senator, caused 
 Applegate to reflect that probably he was not the 
 only king among men. It caused him to move rest- 
 lessly and impatiently in his office. He pressed a 
 button and the superintendent entered. 
 
 "Well, Dennon, it is time now that you have 
 something definite to report." 
 
 "I prefer you to question the young lady. She 
 seems to be a strong character. Her uprightness — '' 
 
 "Uprightness — what do you mean by that?" 
 
 "I mean she endeavors to be just and her general 
 actions indicate that I am right in my estimation." 
 
 "So you have diagnosed her case? Other physi- 
 cians might have a different decision." 
 
 "Possibly." 
 
 "Send that girl to me to this office at once," said 
 Applegate peremptorily. 
 
 Dennon closed the door as noiselessly as he had 
 entered and Applegate closed his eyes wearily. 
 
 "I am at your call," the sweet voice of Joan 
 rang out. 
 
 "Well, what have you to report?" 
 
 "Of what?" 
 
THE VOICES 65 
 
 "Of your proceedings. Answer my questions." 
 
 "Sir!" 
 
 "Will you answer a direct question?" 
 
 "You asked me that question before. I shall an- 
 swer as I may think it direct." 
 
 "Oh, with reservations !" 
 ."Sir!" 
 
 "Is your tongue unionized?" returned Applegate 
 in great heat. 
 
 "With your permission, if you are going to have 
 a discussion, I shall be seated," said Joan. 
 
 "Certainly," replied Applegate gruffly, and he 
 looked up at the vision of youth gazing at him with 
 steady, dreamy eyes. A light seemed to encircle 
 him and her and the atmosphere to exhale a perfume 
 intoxicating in its effect. A lotus flower was in the 
 cut glass vase on the table. He closed his eyes again 
 and with a desperate effort opened them and said: 
 
 "What are you doing?" *■ 
 
 "I am striving to do my work out of hours. I 
 am not encroaching upon my duties to the plant." 
 
 "Honest and daring. Now a direct answer to a 
 direct question." 
 
 "Ready." 
 
 "Are you working to unionize the plant?" with 
 a trembling of his knees. 
 
 "I am." 
 
 "Do you know you will be discharged if you 
 continue ?" 
 
 "I hope results will be different." 
 
 "That you will give up your purpose and be true 
 to the interests of your employers, is that so?" And 
 Applegate's eyes beamed. "You will be rewarded, 
 your salary will be increased." 
 
66 THE VOICES 
 
 "You wish to bribe me from my duty? I, Joan 
 Lynn, to be a traitor to my conscience, to my con- 
 victions?" 
 
 "Were you not engaged on conditions that pre- 
 vailed in this plant?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "Do you consider it honest, then, to be opposed 
 to the interests of your employers?" 
 
 "I, Joan," and she looked upward with a seraphic 
 smile and her eyes shone with a luminous, spiritual 
 light, "feel that I am destined to do great things. 
 Joan, my name." 
 
 "How did you come with that name?" 
 
 "My mother, without being what you would call 
 an educated woman, was inclined to reading — her 
 movie at that time. She died, unfortunately, when 
 I was a year old,'* and Joan heaved a sigh and an 
 unbidden tear dimmed her eyes. "Father says she 
 read and reread all the books she could find on Jeanne 
 d'Arc and I was Joan to her and for some time I 
 have heard voices." 
 
 "Jeanne d'Arc — the Maid of Donremy," murmured 
 Applegate. 
 
 "The voices are a great inheritance." 
 
 "Four hundred years old." 
 
 "Do not doubt my right." 
 
 "I am a doubting Thomas in this instance." 
 
 "But you must believe in this instance," replied 
 Joan assertively. 
 
 "Must I?" and Applegate laughed. 
 
 "And do you know there were other Joans in his- 
 tory — all remarkable women?" 
 
 "And are you to follow all these women?" 
 
THE VOICES 67 
 
 "No, sir; but I feel stirring within me tiie voices 
 to unionize the plant and great things will follow." 
 
 "So you have a mission, you think, when bent on 
 destruction ?" 
 
 "I do not call it by that name." 
 
 "You change definitions to suit yourself, eh?" said 
 Applegate. 
 
 "Another thing I wish to tell you : father says he 
 was told by the nurse that when I was born I said 
 one word and the word was 'Mission,' and then I 
 was as dumb as babies generally are. So you see 
 God has ordained me for a mission." 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 "I do not know yet." 
 
 "Have you had a call?" 
 
 "My first call is to unionize this plant." 
 
 "Impossible." 
 
 "Nothing is impossible these days," said Joan. 
 
 "Why, possible?" 
 
 "Because I am in the plant now, know everything 
 connected with it, and it will soon take place," an- 
 swered Joan. 
 
 "Go. I shall call you later." 
 "Oh, Mr. Torby, I entreat you to put the plant in 
 the hands of the Federation of Labor and I shall 
 answer for your interests with my life." 
 
 "You will protect me, tempter? Ha! Ha!" 
 
 "I shall, I promise." 
 
 "The laws of the land will protect me." 
 
 "But—" 
 
 "Hear me. I live under the one, inseparable Un- 
 ion, the Republic of the United States, governed by 
 the consent of the governed, the only true Republic. 
 Hurrah for America!" 
 
68 THE VOICES 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I protest." 
 
 "Go, and do not leave your post until you are 
 called." 
 
 "I shall obey your order." 
 
 With a feeble hand and a coldness at his heart, 
 he was going to touch the button to ascertain if his 
 father were in his office, when in walked Mr. Torby. 
 And for a moment again Applegate was lost in rev- 
 erie and he saw two stars, one cold, hard, twinkling, 
 and the other soft, luminous, shedding a mild radi- 
 ance. And never can there be two stars of the first 
 magnitude in the feminine firmament. 
 
 "Come, wake up, Applegate. I am on my way 
 to a Board meeting. Have you forgotten that im- 
 portant business meeting?" 
 
 "Father, last night, that dinner episode — " 
 
 "Come, now forget that." 
 
 "Oh, if it only could be to forget, forget Diana." 
 
 "Have you seen a ghost?" 
 
 "Father, father !" 
 
 "Your pallid cheeks say you have, but no time 
 for nonsense now. Be a man, up and doing. Mat- 
 rimony will settle Diana's plumes." 
 
 "Marry her? What a tonic for ghosts!" 
 
 "Yes, marry her, boy, and tame her." 
 
 "In this period? You do not know the times. I 
 am afraid the men will eventually be governed by 
 women." 
 
 "Wrong view, I think. Now, what is the trouble?" 
 
 "Miss Joan Lynn says the plant must be union- 
 ized ; that it is for our interest to do so." 
 
 "Unionized? We are doing very well without 
 the unions." 
 
 "But she-^" 
 
THE VOICES 69 
 
 "Who is Miss Joan Lynn?" 
 
 "She is a laborer's daughter, who thinks the spirit 
 of Joan of Arc dwells in her or that she has voices 
 like the—" 
 
 "Maid of Donremy. I remember now you spoke 
 to me of her before. Good, good !" And Mr. Torby, 
 Senior, burst into laughter loud and hearty. 
 
 "But I tell you this girl—" 
 
 "La Pucelle, of course." 
 
 "Father, this is a union city." 
 
 "And Joan Lynn wishes to make capital out of 
 her voices? Not such a simple girl as one might 
 think, this laborer's daughter." 
 
 "She has a university education and is a won- 
 derful girl," replied Applegate. 
 
 "To be sure." 
 
 "Her father works in the Western Consolidated, 
 a typical union plant, and is determined his child 
 shall not work in an open shop. With the father's 
 tyrannical will and the voices and the university ed- 
 ucation, it will be accomplished. Nolens volens !" 
 
 "Let us take time by the forelock and fall in 
 with the times." 
 
 "Not so fast, Applegate." 
 
 "But stern necessity, father — " 
 
 "The Board—" 
 
 "You are the Chairman of the Executive Board 
 and I Vice-Chairman. We sway the Board, as most 
 leaders do — that is why they secure positions." 
 
 "Things, though, must be considered even in these 
 days of rapid changes. And you must not forget the 
 President, Mr. Ashton." 
 
 "Oh, that girl's father," said Applegate. 
 
 "We must not differ too decidedly with him for 
 
70 THE VOICES 
 
 the present. Call the girl, the Maid of Orleans. I 
 shall settle her at once." 
 
 "Father, call her the young lady. She is really a 
 superior girl." 
 
 "A designing girl." 
 
 "Think what you please, but do not act in such an 
 arbitrary manner. A little more moderation, a little 
 courtesy in these days." 
 
 Applegate touched the button. Joan entered, calm 
 and serene. 
 
 "Miss Joan," said Torby, Senior, "laying particular 
 emphasis on the Joan, "I hear you are attempting to 
 unionize this plant. I hope it is not true." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I suppose?" Torby nodded. "It is 
 true, I am endeavoring to do so and I think I shall 
 succeed." 
 
 "Then consider yourself discharged," and he touch- 
 ed the button. Dennon appeared. 
 
 "Dennon, Miss Joan is discharged." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, with all due respect for your ability 
 in managing the New Construction Iron and Steel 
 Plant, I advise you not to discharge Miss Lynn." 
 
 "Your reasons." 
 
 "Candidly, I tell you, by the advice of Miss Lynn 
 herself, that if you attempt to do so you will cause 
 a strike." 
 
 "A strike? For what? The employees have ap- 
 peared satisfied, working faithfully with good wages, 
 fair surroundings and continued betterment of con- 
 ditions. What more can they or anyone ask?" 
 
 "Mr. Dennon is right. The moment you discharge 
 me the strike is on," said Joan. 
 
 "What increase of wages do they want? It will 
 be considered." 
 
THE VOICES 71 
 
 "You must remember, Mr. Torby, it is not a wage 
 question, but the closed shop." 
 
 "So that is it, is it?" 
 
 "The closed shop. Unionizing the plant, only un- 
 ion men may work in it. So you see what the word 
 discharge means. The superintendent, foremen, pud- 
 dlers, pushers and all workers will cease work and 
 your mill will cease humming." 
 
 "Great heavens, do you wish to ruin us, you un- 
 . grateful girl ?" 
 
 "No, Mr. Torby, but I am for the unions. I am 
 the daughter of a labor union man, a puddler at the 
 Western Consolidated, whose union is his religion, 
 and you know and can see for yourself what the 
 unions of the Federation of Labor have done for 
 themselves, and I must work for their best interests. 
 My voices." 
 
 "So your voices have been speaking to you again?" 
 asked Mr. Torby, with rising ire in his voice. "There 
 are voices in this plant, too, governing its destinies, 
 and as we are law-abiding citizens we owe our duty 
 to our Board of Directors and our Board owes its 
 duty to its stockholders as well as to our employees. 
 Those voices must all be heard. Go to your desk 
 and await orders." 
 
 Joan went out with a pleading look at Applegate, 
 who had not uttered a word during her interview 
 with his father. 
 
 "Come, Applegate, to the Board meeting." 
 
 After a long and protracted session with Apple- 
 gate appealing to the Board of Directors to vote for 
 unionizing the plant, to fall in with the sentiment of 
 the times, otherwise they could not hope to succeed in 
 the City of San Francisco. Mr. Charles Torby opposed 
 
72 THE VOICES 
 
 it with decided vigor. Ultimately it was decided by 
 a unanimous vote that full authority to act be placed 
 in the hands of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of 
 the Executive Board and Mr. Ashton, the President, 
 as they owned the majority of the stock and Ashton 
 had made heavy loans to the corporation. Mr. Torby, 
 Senior, in this committee, informed Ashton that he 
 would consider it death to the plant, as the unions 
 would virtually control the management. 
 
 "Once for all, let this plant show what determi- 
 nation can do," to which Mr. Ashton gave his un- 
 qualified assent. 
 
 So Joan was called to the Chairman's office and 
 Mr. Torby, Senior, discharged her in a formal way 
 and told her he was carrying out the wishes of the 
 Board of Directors, and added, freezingly: "Go." 
 
 Joan said: "I shall do what I promised to do." 
 
 And in an hour, the buzzing wheels and the roar- 
 ing, hot furnaces were left to cool and the next day 
 nearly every man and all of the girls were unionized 
 and were ready for their charter. 
 
 It was wonderful how adroitly and quickly Joan 
 accomplished her work. She was urged on day and 
 night by her father and Kelly until she came to the 
 final point. Her faith in herself and her voices and 
 the personal magnetism she had exercised over the 
 mill workers and the demand for production and the 
 scarcity of labor, all aided her in the completion of 
 her self-appointed task. 
 
 The following day, Applegate said to his father: 
 "Miss Joan wishes to see me. I think it my duty to 
 see her. We must yield. Why not now?" 
 
 "Applegate, how can you propose such a thing?" 
 
THE VOICES 71 
 
 "Miss Joan says she will do everything possible 
 for us. She is only going with the tide." 
 
 "What faith that girl has in herself, and it is 
 amazing what faith you have in her. I cannot com- 
 prehend it. Think, she dictates terms what she will 
 do for us, and you have the audacity to bring that 
 proposition to me. Oh, what a situation!" 
 
 "Father, pray listen." 
 
 "She is a siren, luring you to death with her song." 
 
 "She is a girl with extraordinary powers," replied 
 Applegate. 
 
 "Taking advantage of the demand of the times." 
 
 "Father, she is above temptation and I really be- 
 lieve if I made her my private secretary, increase her 
 salary — she has not asked for an increase, mind you — 
 she will be true to the interests of the plant. There 
 will be no slackers around. Let us settle the damn 
 thing." 
 
 "On one condition, Applegate." 
 
 "And that is?" 
 
 "That you appoint and announce the marriage day 
 with Diana. You know she has a few millions in her 
 own right and you also know Ashton is not only 
 President of this Corporation, but of his bank, which 
 is one that can be placed on a level with the great 
 moneyed institutions of the United States, possibly 
 one hundred millions or more, and personally he is 
 interested in many other money-making corporations. 
 See what a tremendous power he wields? While we 
 with our few millions are comparatively poor, still 
 well situated, but if Ashton takes away his support 
 we shall be wrecked." 
 
 "Father!" 
 
 "You love Diana a little, you know you did, when 
 
74 THE VOICES 
 
 you became engaged to her, and you know you do 
 now." 
 
 "I did, but now I hate her a good deal. I hate 
 her, hate, hate, I loathe her." 
 
 He was almost as desperate as a woman being 
 urged to marry a man whom she detests, whom her 
 soul abhors. 
 
 "Come, Applegate, you wring my soul; you are 
 my pride, my hope." 
 
 "Father, how can I?" 
 
 "It is a bitter powder, I admit. Mix the drink, 
 swallow it hastily and crush the cup." 
 
 "Is it even honorable for me to wed her when 
 one is in this state? Is it even justice to Diana to 
 take her to be my wedded wife and swear at the altar 
 to love and cherish her, when I know it is dese- 
 cration ?" 
 
 "But think of your business honor. Oh, Apple- 
 gate, think of that. Make denials. Sacrifices are re- 
 quired by all of us in this life, and he is greatest 
 who can carry them without the world being aware 
 of it." 
 
 "Father, the supreme sacrifice on the battlefield 
 for one's country is glory, but this, this beside this 
 woman." 
 
 "Applegate !" 
 
 "Father, you ask too much." 
 
 "Do not go into such details. This price is great, 
 this searing of the flesh, almost more than I can bear." 
 
 "Why not let all things go?" 
 
 "No further. You agonize my feelings; but be a 
 man and look to business honor. Your dead moth- 
 er looked up to me with pride for conscientiousness 
 and honor. Your dead mother, my wife, my joy of 
 
THE VOICES 75 
 
 life. Every man, high or low, rich or poor, has ob- 
 ligations, moral and legal, which must be kept. There 
 can neither be justice nor honor without them." 
 
 "Father, I am sorry for the woman I am to marry. 
 I go to the altar with her, not as with a love in my 
 heart for some one else, but with undying hate for 
 her. Yet you ask this marriage in the name of my 
 dead mother and to her for your sake." 
 
 "Applegate!" 
 
 "Say no more,father. For you and my dear, dead 
 mother I bow to fate's decree, the inevitable." 
 
CHAPTER VII. 
 
 "Well, Joan, the Board has yielded. The plant 
 is unionized. All due to your energy." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, Miss Joan, if you please." 
 
 "Miss, Joan, then, you are such a stickler for 
 etiquette." 
 
 "For everything that is right." 
 
 "Is that your prime reason for going around and 
 unionizing everything?" 
 
 "For the preservation of the unions, the first law 
 of nature, self-preservation." 
 
 "And preservation for yourself?" 
 
 "That is a second consideration, Mr. Torby." 
 
 "Let us argue the point no further." 
 
 "And now?" said Joan. 
 
 "To be my private secretary with an increase of 
 wages." 
 
 "I have the charter, the union charter." 
 
 "Quickly done. And the position?" 
 
 "The position is one I think I can fill satisfactor- 
 ily. Naturally, the higher you climb, increased sal- 
 ary goes with it. A private secretary to the Vice- 
 Chairman of the Executive Board of a large corpo- 
 ration like this plant is a position of trust and honor. 
 Much more than to be merely one of many stenog- 
 raphers." 
 
 "Of course, it is a position of great confidence 
 and trust. Increase of salary follows, but your wages 
 will be increased more than any other private sec- 
 retaries." 
 
 "How very generous of you to increase the wages 
 
THE VOICES n 
 
 of the workers unasked for, just unionized. Hurrah 
 for the unions and my success!" 
 
 "Hurrah for all unions," cried Applegate. "I 
 think you misunderstood me. I did not say increase 
 for the regular workers— I only said and meant that 
 you are to receive more than other secretaries." 
 
 "You have neither tested me as to capacity nor 
 proved my trustworthiness. So far, I have not tried 
 myself. Sir," said Joan with a red spot rising in 
 her cheeks, "I could not be true to myself if I were 
 the only one to be benefited, possibly at the expense 
 of increasing the working capacity of your other 
 employees." 
 
 "Miss Joan," said Applegate, looking intently at 
 her, "your work is in this office. You have decided 
 influence with the workers. You must have unbound- 
 ed influence to accomplish what you did and I hope 
 that you will use that influence for the good of the 
 corporation." 
 
 "Believe me, sir, I should not have accepted this 
 office had I not felt this way and I shall act accord- 
 ingly. One must give value for what one receives." 
 
 "That is the honorable way. Agreements, con- 
 tracts, positions, etc., all impose obligations that must 
 be fulfilled, otherwise the world would soon be like 
 a Bedlam." 
 
 "Quite right." 
 
 "We shall understand each other better and bet- 
 ter all the time." 
 
 "I hope so. And now for my first proposition," 
 said Joan. 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 "I hope it will meet with your approval to have 
 the rest room do double service. Convert it into 
 
78 THE VOICES 
 
 a lecture room ; also permission to have some good 
 music ; no dancing ; some few billiard and pool tables. 
 It would be well to have a canteen, too, so the un- 
 married men could know where to spend their even- 
 ings." 
 
 "You could not very well have a canteen there." 
 
 "I am so sorry." And Joan's face lost its gladness. 
 
 "Upon a second thought I believe you can. At 
 all events, in a short while, I shall see that every- 
 thing will be arranged for your project. It will not 
 do to undertake too much at once. The Board nat- 
 urally wishes to observe the effect of unionizing first." 
 
 "But these simple things?" returned Joan. 
 
 "Simple things cost money," said Applegate. 
 
 "This must be a model plant in a very little while, 
 and we shall never be short of workers. I am so en- 
 thusiastic about it," answered Joan. 
 
 "I do not wish to dampen your enthusiasm, but — " 
 
 "I know that each and every employee will be just 
 as interested as I am." 
 
 "That is to be seen. I hope they will be, for the 
 Board was not over-anxious for the closed shop, as 
 you may well imagine." 
 
 "It is for the best." 
 
 "What do you do with your evenings?" 
 
 "My evenings?" and Joan opened her eyes wide. 
 "I shall be thinking of the new arrangements, study, 
 etc. One must go on learning to keep up with the 
 advancement of the times. I am going to take elo- 
 cution lessons." 
 
 "Why elocution?" 
 
 "I wish to become a public speaker. I am acting 
 on inspiration. I must be ready to convince the 
 masses." 
 
THE VOICES 79 
 
 "What ambition! Your voices, of course?" said 
 Applegate, smilingly. 
 
 "Do not laugh. They are leading me on." 
 
 "Be careful of these voices — do not follow them 
 too implicitly." 
 
 "Oh. but I must. I pray to God and then these 
 voices sometimes speak in a low, sweet voice; other 
 times they sing around me like an angel choir, and 
 I must obey." 
 
 "I am no philosopher, but let me be your guide, 
 your friend. I am older than you. You are really an 
 unsophisticated girl. Those unseen guides." 
 
 "There are always wild animals in the jungles." 
 
 "Wild animals are not always confined to local- 
 ities." 
 
 "But I am living in San Francisco." 
 "Well, have it your way. You are a very self-de- 
 termined young lady," said Applegate. 
 
 "Please do not forget to take up that important 
 matter, the rest room." 
 
 One morning Applegate showed Joan some plans 
 which the architect had mapped out, and the Board 
 of Directors had approved, for the new hall and rest 
 room for the men and women employees. 
 
 It was to be built about five blocks from the plant 
 and it was designed to be one of the best regulated 
 and devised rest room or club and canteen rooms in 
 the State. Joan was in raptures over the plan and 
 clapped her hands in delight. 
 
 "Just to know that the club is to be supplied with 
 musical instruments and have free instruction for the 
 workers if they so desire. Music speaks in all lan- 
 guages and 'has charms to soothe the savage breast.' 
 And the library will be large and comfortable and 
 
80 THE VOICES 
 
 supplied with the choicest reading matter, scientific 
 and all kinds of literature. The rest room to be pro- 
 vided with everything." And tears sprang to her eyes. 
 
 "As you see, nothing will be neglected. I shall 
 take particular care, too, that ventilation, acoustics, 
 etc., are perfect. I am also going to make an indi- 
 vidual contribution." 
 
 "How kind, how generous, how thoughtful !" re- 
 plied Joan. 
 
 "I thought you would be pleased." 
 
 "And when will the building be commenced?" 
 
 "The Board says that will depend upon the work- 
 ers," replied Applegate. 
 
 "Yes, how, why, wherefore?" 
 
 "To see how well and faithfully they will per- 
 form their duties before they will allow the money 
 to be expended," said Applegate. 
 
 Joan's expressive face showed her hopes dashed 
 from the Zenith to the Nadir. 
 
 "Why should they not be faithful? I am grieved 
 at that decision, grieved beyond words." 
 
 "Come, do not be depressed. It will be built, I 
 assure you." 
 
 "What assurance do I have?" 
 
 "Because you are here and I rely upon your in- 
 fluence. What are you doing with your evenings?" 
 
 "That is a repetition of a question. I am work- 
 ing hard. As you know, I am preparing myself for 
 my future." 
 
 "Spare me a few evenings and I shall assist you. 
 Everyone needs companionship. Man is a social 
 animal." 
 
 "Not everyone. I do not need companionship." 
 
 "Sufficient unto yourself?" asked Applegate. 
 
THE VOICES 81 
 
 "I love to be alone, entirely alone with God, my 
 voices and my thoughts." 
 
 "I should think it would grow monotonous with 
 such companionship." 
 
 "I wish I could live on a little farm with some 
 sheep and be a shepherdess. I think the closer one 
 is to nature the more communion one can have with 
 God." 
 
 "I tell you one thing. You say yourself you have 
 read and fed yourself so much on the works relating 
 to Joan of Arc, the Maid of Donremy, that it is liable 
 to affect your mind. It is nonsense in this age that 
 you are told to do this or that and that you have a 
 mission. Having a closed shop is no mission. There 
 are hundreds of thousands of workers in these organ- 
 izations and many more unorganized workers who 
 are not allowed to work because it will keep wages 
 on a level based on supply and demand. You are 
 simply a peace disturber, as so many people are at 
 the present day." 
 
 "My mission," replied Joan, "has not yet been 
 defined, but it will be. In the meantime I do the lit- 
 tle things that are done by thousands, as you say, 
 feeling and knowing that they are only stepping- 
 stones to the great things that will be required of 
 me. I have faith." 
 
 "You tire me with your tedious monotony." 
 
 " 'Oh ye of little faith.' Faith is sublime, it moves 
 rocks." And Joan closed her eyes and her faith cov- 
 ered her as with a halo. 
 
 "To be sure, faith is sublime, but have faith in 
 me and I can and shall assist you more than voices. 
 They are not tangible. Spare me some of your dis- 
 engaged time." 
 
82 THE VOICES 
 
 "My time is taken up with my work." 
 
 "Come," said Applegate, "let us take an auto ride 
 this evening. You are my private secretary, and then 
 we can talk over the improvements in the plant that 
 you so much desire." 
 
 "No, no. I must be prepared and get my armor 
 ready," said Joan. 
 
 "A militant suffragette, by Jove!" jumping up in 
 his fhair and seating himself again. 
 
 "I could for my cause, if my voices tell me, fight 
 like the three Joans engaged in the wars of Edward 
 III of England and King Philip of Valois of France. 
 They were the militant suffragettes of those days." 
 
 "Teaching me history, too ! I suppose we could 
 argue until doomsday and you would still persist in 
 your belief. Come to earth and live the life God 
 placed you in and you will find the comfort and the 
 happiness that are given to ordinary mortals. Be 
 advised. Let us have a ride tonight. You deserve 
 one. I am sure you will be a conscientious worker." 
 
 "I am no slacker, I admit." 
 
 "The auto ride this evening?" 
 
 "Thank God, I do not require a chiropodist. My 
 feet are in proper condition for walking. We are all 
 more or less the creatures of circumstances, and cir- 
 cumstances placed me in this position in your office, 
 and I must make the best of my environments." 
 
 "You see, with all your visions and talks with 
 God's agents you are only a woman like other wom- 
 en, wearing furs in summer." (Joan had a small, in- 
 ferior one around her neck.) "And no doubt in win- 
 ter a chiffon dress on the street." 
 
 Joan smiled and said: "I might if I had one." 
 
 "Now, for you and me to succeed in the great 
 
THE VOICES 83 
 
 betterment of the conditions of the workers, there 
 must be unanimity of opinion. Everybody is not 
 ready to sit down and waste time solving European 
 problems, or any problem, but their own. My prob- 
 lem is to make a success of this mill ; keep the work- 
 men employed to support their families and them- 
 selves and not let things run to chaos. We must be 
 constructive and not destructive. That is American- 
 ism. There are too many Jellabys running around 
 loose today. So be reasonable and do not let me be 
 compelled to call you obstinate." 
 "Sir!" 
 
 "Yes, Miss Joan; do not be wedded to opinions — 
 uncertainties in your case. You are obfuscated. Come 
 down to the stern realities of life, like a girl which 
 you are, and scatter the blossoms as you go along." 
 
 "A very good sermon, but not for me, Mr. Torby. 
 I do not need you for advice in that direction. I am 
 in communion with God. My mother was religious, 
 too, my father says. Now, if you attempt any further 
 to divert me from my purpose, I cannot be your sec- 
 retary, though I need the position, and prize it, too — 
 indeed, I do." 
 
 "Well, dear girl, nothing but good can come of it.'' 
 
 "Miss Joan," she quickly retorted. 
 
 "What did I say? Did I forget your title?" 
 
 "You did, Mr. Torby. Now please do not annoy 
 me that way any more." 
 
 "If so little a thing disturbs you, of course."- 
 
 "Let it be a settled thing that you will not dis- 
 turb me again. And now let us proceed to the work 
 of the day, and I do hope that our — your — wonderful 
 plans for the New Construction Iron and Steel Plant 
 will mature quickly and bring pleasure for the many 
 
84 THE VOICES 
 
 thousand workers. You, yourself, Mr. Torby, are a 
 man with progressive ideas, and so unionism under 
 our fostering care will flourish." 
 
 "So be it," replied Applegate quietly; but that 
 continuous cry of voices and unionism and Diana and 
 the struggles all around him exhausted his patience 
 and weakened his powers. 
 
 One evening, as Joan was going to her elocution 
 lesson, not yet dark, Applegate suddenly emerged 
 from the gloaming and walked by her side with a 
 determined air. 
 
 "Mr. Torby," said Joan, "I am going to my elo- 
 cution class and — " 
 
 "I am going along. A few lessons will not injure 
 me," said Applegate. 
 
 "Possibly not, but—" 
 
 "Leave conjunctions out. I am going with you 
 tonight." 
 
 "No, Mr. Torby, you will not, I am sure." 
 
 "Do not be sure of anything on this terrestrial 
 sphere." 
 
 Joan saw that he looked weary and suggested that 
 he required rest. 
 
 "I think I do," Applegate answered. "An auto 
 ride will give it to me. Come along." 
 
 "The best thing you can do is to take the ride. 
 The evening is warm and pleasant. Jump into your 
 auto, take a ride all alone, and you will come home 
 refreshed and, your nerves soothed." 
 
 "As I told you, man is a social animal, and I am 
 like a harp out of tune — I want to hear the strings 
 playing, singing one immortal song." 
 
 "Good bye, Mr. Torby." 
 
THE VOICES 85 
 
 "Listen — I want to hear one immortal song of 
 heaven." 
 
 "I must say good evening and run to my class, 
 otherwise my lesson is lost and I shall not attain that 
 ease and strength of words that bring food for thought 
 in one's talk." And Joan vanished with lightning 
 speed, as she had squandered nearly ten minutes of 
 her time. As Joan went her way, Applegate saw 
 Mayme swishing around the corner. 
 
 Applegate walked slowly about a block or more, 
 apparently in deep thought, when he almost stum- 
 bled upon Mrs. Wotton and Congressman Hardwick, 
 who were sauntering along, a little oblivious of sur- 
 roundings. With woman's quick wit, the fascinating 
 widow said : 
 
 "What can compare to San Francisco's golden sun- 
 set on this mild autumn day as the last lingering rays 
 sink below the horizon? In the afternoon we were 
 over in Muir Woods, a scene for the artist's brush, 
 so beautiful, the autumn-tinted leaves under our feet, 
 like a carpet that in the distance resembles huge 
 masses of flowers. Some call the autumn the mel- 
 ancholy season of the year. I do not. It is a change 
 one enjoys, and as San Francisco offers so many 
 changes in weather, without extreme heat or cold, 
 it should be the Mecca for tourists the world over." 
 
 "I agree with you, I certainly do," said Hardwick. 
 
 "I do not agree with you entirely," said Applegate. 
 
 "I do absolutely," said Hardwick. 
 
 "Do please," said Mrs. Wotton, "allow Mr. Torby 
 to express himself." 
 
 "Autumn seems tinged with melancholy. I am 
 reminded of Hood's lines on autumn," said Applegate. 
 
 "He does not refer to youth," said Mrs. Wotton 
 
86 THE VOICES 
 
 cheerily. "And you young men do not appreciate suf- 
 ficiently your youth and splendid opportunities lying 
 before you ! Do not trample on God's great gift — 
 youth — which I am afraid none of us appreciate the 
 untold millions of its worth until lost. But I am a 
 woman and will not allow life's troubles to weigh too 
 heavily upon me, thtjugh I have been showered with 
 blessings beyond my worth." 
 
 "No wonder this woman is happiness and youth 
 personified — a girl of twenty — because she does not 
 think of herself, but of others. She is a fairy." And 
 Hardwick sighed and wondered at the widow's com- 
 posure. 
 
 "I thought you might have used a little more hy- 
 perbole and said an angel ; then I might have replied : 
 without wings," which made Applegate smile, and 
 he said: 
 
 "As for embroidering conversation, an art adept, 
 one might say man must give the palm to woman." 
 
 "Another thing I am dying to say,'' broke in 
 Hardwick, "is that our American women, especially 
 Mrs. Wotton, would have graced the French salon 
 in the times of Louis Quatorze — my French vocab- 
 ulary is in — she would have had a half dozen salons 
 by this time at Washington were it not that it would 
 be savoring of a taste for that monarch whose morals 
 and extravagance are not to be copied." 
 
 And Applegate thought he heard the chimes of 
 wedding bells. 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 John Esmond Ammon Kelly and Mayme Mort, 
 meeting Peter Lynn going home from work one day, 
 John said: "Miss Joan did a neat thing in unioniz- 
 ing the New Construction Iron and Steel Plant. Re- 
 ally fine work, especially for so young a girl, with- 
 out experience in that line." 
 
 "Joan is 'varsity larned," answered Peter proudly. 
 "She has the charter and is the leader of th' union, 
 and all is clear sailin'. I'm a union man, strong and 
 steady, an' we won." 
 
 "You had no fighting to do?" 
 "I was afraid I'd hav' to." 
 
 "Well," spoke up Mayme, "easy work, for the 
 young boss is sweet on Joan, you know." 
 
 "Gal, if you spread tha' tale an' it ain't true, I'll 
 kill yer, and if it's true I'll kill my gal as sure as my 
 name is Peter Lynn." 
 
 "Goodness, sak's alive! You needn't be so fero- 
 cious about it. Don't eat me. What harm," return- 
 ed Mayme in a conciliatory tone, "if he favors her 
 with work and she is his best girl?" 
 
 Again the blood leapt into Peter's face and he re- 
 plied savagely: "Becaus' no good can come from it. 
 Yer don't know my gal. She's proud an' doesn't 
 wan' no favors." 
 
 "I am coming over this evening and have a talk 
 on things in general," said John. 
 
 "I'm comin' too, can I?" chimed in Mayme. 
 "All right, but be careful and have a decent tongue 
 in your head. I shall hold Mayme down outside, too. 
 You bet, I respect your girl." 
 
88 THE VOICES 
 
 "All mus', if she claim me for father." 
 
 "She's a sweety, that's what she is," returned 
 Mayme. 
 
 So when Lynn came home he said: "John and 
 Mayme are comin' over this evenin'." 
 
 "I dislike that girl — it is more, it is aversion." 
 
 "Well, yer mus' let her come an' be civil to her 
 too, even if you're mor' larned than she's. Books 
 don't make her good. So ther'." 
 
 "Certainly not, but social conditions must adjust 
 themselves. Mayme is an ordinary person." 
 
 Joan putting on her coat and hat, Peter questioned, 
 "Where are you goin'?" 
 
 Joan hesitated answering and Peter questioned, 
 "Well, well, I ask who wan's to see yer?" 
 
 "I am going to work with Mr. Torby in his of- 
 fice tonight." 
 
 "Yer darn't go." 
 
 "I must; it will only be for an hour. Mayme can 
 wait. I am his private secretary, and — " 
 
 Lynn flew at her, shook her violently and burst 
 into tears. "My chil'," he sobbed, "I've been father 
 an' mother to yer as much as I could be, never touch'd 
 yer when mad, so I beg you don't go to that man's 
 office this evenin'." 
 
 "Father, you hurt my flesh a moment ago, but 
 now you touch my honor. Do not do that again, 
 please. I am attending to business. It is for our 
 beloved unions. If I please, Mr. Torby — " 
 
 "Leav' that man's name out yer mouth. Yer make 
 me crazy. Somethin' in my head is splittin'." 
 
 "Come, dear father, do not act this way. The Di- 
 rectors promise to do wonderful things — large im- 
 provements, big hall for meetings, club, canteen, mu- 
 
THE VOICES 89 
 
 sic room, and Mr. — the gentleman will himself give 
 an organ and furnish a library and fill the shelves 
 with books." 
 
 "Who's the man?" interrupted Lynn in a frenzy. 
 And he put his hands around her throat. 
 
 "Father — oh, God, my voices! I do not remem- 
 ber his name." 
 
 "Thank God," and Peter released his hold. 
 
 "It is some unknown good man," said Joan. 
 
 "Now, child, go. Be sure yer come back in an 
 hour — overtime work, get yer pay." 
 
 "This is not extra work. This is benefit work." 
 
 "If not, I'll kill that youn' boss," and he grated 
 his teeth. 
 
 "Remember the commandment, 'Thou shalt not 
 kill.' Keep it, father — keep it. Do not commit a 
 mortal sin for anything under heaven. Kiss me, fa- 
 ther, kiss me." And Joan kissed the trembling man, 
 and trembling herself in every limb, rushed from the 
 cottage. No sooner had she turned the corner than 
 Mayme and her companion entered the cottage. 
 
 "Here we are," said Mayme. 
 
 "Yes, kept our word," added Kelly. 
 
 "And wher's Joan? I suppos' — " 
 
 "You suppose nothing," said Kelly. 
 
 "Am I not?" 
 
 "Now, Mayme, shut up. I told you I am going 
 to do the talking tonight. So keep quiet. If not, 
 this man will have another best girl to take a glass 
 of soda with tomorrow evening." 
 
 Mayme returned saucily: "We girls talk agin' one 
 another and then kiss one another." 
 
 "Any more sauce now and I will do as I said." 
 
 And Mayme murmured something inaudibly, fear- 
 
90 THE VOICES 
 
 ing as he was a gentleman he might keep his word. 
 
 Lynn sat with the look of a tiger ready to spring. 
 
 "Come now," said Kelly, "sit back and let us talk 
 about favorite things — unions — these stirring times. I 
 wish I could be with every strike and strike out right 
 and left. It would do my very heart and hands good 
 to knock something. Wouldn't you like to do the 
 same, Peter?" 
 
 Peter's features relaxed and he said: "I might 
 tak' a han' an' have er little fun, too." 
 
 The time passed quickly to Kelly, who was a flu- 
 ent talker and had a quiet listener in Lynn. He dis- 
 cussed the benefits to be derived by adhering strictly 
 to the rules and regulations of the unions, now being 
 master of the situation, directing all economic and 
 social problems until interrupted by Joan returning 
 with glowing cheeks and beaming eyes. She kissed 
 her father, who looked at her steadily, and greeted 
 the visitors cordially. And Lynn subconsciously felt 
 and knew that whatever the work was the private 
 secretary had come out victorious. 
 
 "Just talkin' on my love," said Lynn, jocosely. 
 
 "These are stirring times, I say, stirring all the 
 time and making good paste. To do that, the pot 
 must be kept stirred continuously. Among other 
 things I told your father, the New Construction Iron 
 and Steel Plant should live up to union wages. The 
 women are a little below, you know. You see such 
 differences in one mill affects the others, and Peter 
 agrees with me," said Kelly. 
 
 "I agree with yer ther', John." 
 
 "And you do, too, don't you. Miss Joan?" 
 
 "Yes," chirped in Mayme, who had a comfortable 
 nap. "I say — " 
 
THE VOICES 91 
 
 "Hold your gab," said Kelly, a little threateningly, 
 and Mayme subsided with another inarticulate mur- 
 mur. 
 
 "Why, Mr. , one of the directors, told me the 
 
 plant was paying men workers as good wages as any 
 other closed shop, but the girls have not the same 
 wages as the men, which they intend to increase later 
 on. They are also contemplating many improvements 
 for the uplift of the workers.." 
 
 "Don't worry about the uplift. We shall uplift 
 ourselves," said Kelly, decidedly. 
 
 "No," said Peter, "we don't need books on thin's, 
 we wan' wages." 
 
 "Of course," returned Joan, "if I have been mis- 
 informed regarding the wage question, it is a serious 
 thing." She felt she must be true to her voices which 
 had guided her to the closed shop. The wage ques- 
 tion would have to come and materialize. And all 
 the bright hopes for the prospective improvements 
 which she and Applegate had just brought to a happy 
 conclusion in his office this very evening were dashed 
 to the ground. With her nerves upset in the early 
 part of the evening by the violence of her father. 
 her heart sank at the outcome. Then she sighed and 
 with marvellous self-control she hushed the appeal 
 for the club with its alluring accessories and set hei 
 mind to work what she should do to walk in the 
 path that was set for her. No cross, no glory. 
 
 "If that should be, father?" 
 
 "Dare yer say Kelly an' me are liars?" 
 
 "Come now, Lynn, be sensible. Miss Joan is pure 
 metal. What she says she will do, she will do, won't 
 you, Miss Joan?" 
 
 "Nothing shall deter me from doing right and 
 
92 THE VOICES 
 
 unionizing a plant means that the plant must work 
 and live under union conditions and regulations. I 
 never like interpretations of meanings. They should 
 and must be clear so there will be no argument. If 
 I have been misled, the plant will have to come up 
 to the standard. The question will be, What will be 
 the best method of procedure? Somehow or other I 
 feel quite sure the plant has been paying to the men 
 workers the same wages as the union plants, and a 
 few months ago came to the same hours, eight hours 
 a day — eight hours for sleep, eight hours for work, 
 eight hours for recreation." 
 
 Kelly, with a shake of his head, said: "Not too 
 much for us, Peter — just what we should have." 
 
 "We shou'd hav' it, mus' hav' it, and this plant 
 wher' yer work mus' hav' the same wag's, now, chile," 
 added Lynn. 
 
 "Of course I agree with you in every particular. 
 What is the matter with you tonight, Mayme? Not 
 a word from you. Are you ill?" inquired Joan. 
 
 "She is all right. She has been put to sleep and 
 must not wake up until I will it. All right, Mayme," 
 said Kelly. 
 
 "Another Szvengali !" And Joan turned laugh- 
 ingly to Mayme. 
 
 "Ho, ho! I'll use a little hocus pocus." And 
 Kelly waved his hands in incantations over Mayme's 
 face and cried: "Awake, awake, and use your tongue 
 with all the smartness I have given you by my cun- 
 ning and help of sleep." 
 
 Mayme laughed and said: "While I had a good 
 snooze in the early part of the evening, as I was 
 tired, it was not soun' later on that I didn't hear 
 
THE VOICES 93 
 
 somethin'. And now, Joan, guess who's goin' to be 
 married very soon? Guess right away." 
 
 "I am no guesser. I cannot even try." Her head 
 was throbbing anyway, but with her innate goodness 
 of heart she was very sorry for Mayme's life envi- 
 ronment and because she felt her dislike to her very 
 strong she endeavored now to be interested in her 
 friends. "I am breathless to know who the happy 
 couple is." 
 
 "Harnessed, you mean?" asked Kelly. 
 
 "May Selte. You know her father has a little 
 tailor shop an' she's goin' to be married and can't 
 have a new dress. What a shame? Her father don't 
 belong to the unions and he can't get no workers. 
 Now she has invited me to come an' see her get 
 married. I didn't care to go. No fun at such a wed- 
 din'. But she ask'd John to, of course. I wouldn't 
 go without this guy — no one else. She is so fon' of 
 me. I'm going to hav' a new dress — blue trimmed 
 with green. Frenchy, you know. I do love French 
 styles — all the girls do. If there was a lot of girls 
 at the weddin' they wud just turn with — you know 
 the word, Joan." 
 
 "Envy." 
 
 "Yes, that's a fine word. I'll put it away in my 
 noddle." 
 
 "Yer'll hav' lots of work fer yer hand's now, 
 Joan," said her father. 
 
 "There is one thing — the doctrine that one should 
 preach — and that is, everything must be unionized 
 and that the employers live up strictly to their hours 
 and no slacking. We demand pay and the employers 
 demand work — both must be given," returned Joan. 
 
 "Miss Joan, I am afraid you are going to be a 
 
94 THE VOICES 
 
 hard taskmaster," said Kelly, squinting his eyes. 
 
 "No, but a just one — truth and righteousness." 
 
 "Don't preach, Joan. Yer can fill a book." And 
 her father glared at her and Joan sighed inwardly. 
 
 "Now Joan, I forget to ast yer which way shall the 
 folds run on my dress, and shall the blue be under 
 the green with the green running' this way?" And 
 she used her handkerchief to represent the material. 
 "And then what shall the piece be of that yer wear 
 round yer neck? The scarf, the scarf! I'm jus' dyin'- 
 for a scarf. One half on one shoulder and the other 
 half on no shoulder at all, but fallin' down easy some 
 way. You see, every girl can't fix that, but I know 
 you can fix it, everythin' comes so easy to you — so 
 nice. You are just born to it, ain't you?" 
 
 "If you will come over Sipme evening, I shall ar- 
 range it for you." 
 
 "You know, I like your idea better than my dress- 
 mak'r's — she's so poor in ideas. You'ld be a good 
 dressmaker." 
 
 "You quite overcome me with your praise. You 
 see, I always have had to make my own dresses." 
 
 "Law's sak's aliv', how I hate to thread a needle. 
 Well, when I marry som' rich guy, then I'll try an' 
 hav' soft hands — white ones, too, and pink nails and 
 — ouch" as a pin stuck her. "No, I won't." 
 
 "Come, Mayme," said John, "come, I will take you 
 home. When the girls — young ladies, I should say," 
 looking at Joan, "praise each other or one another, 
 it is like kisses, taking away something from men." 
 And he laughed at his witticism. 
 
 "You are mistaken," spoke up Mayme. "Women 
 are always kissing each other, deceitful things — then 
 cuttin' you up when they part. As a girl tol' me when 
 
THE VOICES 95 
 
 she met a certain girl she kissed an' hugged her in 
 the street, mind you, and that she hated her. I ast 
 her why she did that and the said, 'The more I hack 
 her when she is not there, the more I must make out 
 I love her when I meet her in company.' " 
 
 "Come, Mayme, I am going to buy you a real pearl 
 necklace for fifty dollars — Genuine pearls, my girl." 
 
 "What?" 
 
 "For sleeping so nicely and proving me to be a 
 hypnotist." 
 
 "What a darling guy. I'm going to kiss," she 
 said unhesitatingly, then upon an instant's consid- 
 eration she changed her mind. "No, I shan't kiss you 
 until I get them; then I may do so. And I'm gon 
 to wear 'em all the time in the mill when I work." 
 
 "They will get discolored there," said Joan. 
 
 "Then I can wear 'em other times and so no one 
 can take 'em, because I'm goin' to have little stick- 
 ing points around and possibly that thief won't howl 
 when he puts his hands on 'em !" 
 
 "Come, Mayme. I think I will try to have you 
 made a policewoman. But come on and you can tell 
 me on the way if the pearls shall be large or small. 
 We have had a pleasant evening. Good night." 
 
 Joan sank in a chair, pale and exhausted, but in 
 a moment rose and said : 
 
 "I shall rise early in the morning and find out 
 particulars." 
 
 "Never min' now, did yer see the young boss 
 tonight?" 
 
 "I went to my work for the new hall and every- 
 thing was satisfactory." 
 
 "Did yer work in ther youn' boss's office, tell me?" 
 
96 THE VOICES 
 
 "You know I told you it was in reference to the 
 improvements." 
 
 "Did yer see the young man that was to give yer 
 so many things hisself?" shaking his first at her. 
 
 "Father, you unnerve me. Do not repeat the 
 scene of a few hours ago. The strain is too great. 
 I must sleep. 'Tis nature's sweet restorer. Oh, if 
 we have sorrows or troubles, sleep causes us to for- 
 get and strengthens us to commence the battle of life 
 over again. That struggle that commences with life 
 and ends with death and the cold grave receives us." 
 
 "Oh, that I was lyin' by yer mother, I'd keep her 
 warm?" asked Lynn. 
 
 "We must keep warm with work, father. That is 
 the call now and we must answer the call." 
 
 "Yer hav' not answered me all I want ter kno'. 
 Why go inter that man's office any more? Why go, 
 child?" 
 
 "Because where shall I go but into his office if I 
 am his private secretary? And he is such a very 
 busy man I can tell you. Documents piled up high, 
 serious questions, and I guide subconsciously by sug- 
 gestions for my voices — " 
 
 "I'll murder those voices, I tell yer." 
 
 "Dear father, where has all your tenderness gone 
 for your child — for the child of your dead wife? You 
 loved her and you loved me and you cannot be dead 
 'for either of us." 
 
 "No, but—" 
 
 "I forgot to tell you something about Mr. Torby." 
 
 "Darn that man to — " 
 
 "Stop. You will bless him. He is to be married 
 very soon. I hear he is engaged to a very rich 
 voung lady." 
 
THE VOICES 97 
 
 "Still danger." 
 
 "I shall have to sing you to sleep." 
 
 "Sing me 'bout unions." 
 
 "Now, father, you have given way to this absurd 
 nonsense long enough, and if you keep on to it any 
 longer you will be unfit for work and you will be 
 discharged." 
 
 "In a jifify," said Peter. 
 
 "And," continued Joan, "you Will probably be 
 searching in vain for employment, and then falling 
 down into the line of unorganized workers, then 
 what? On the sick list. Do you know what that 
 means? Joan will have to leave work and nurse you. 
 Then the almshouse, poorhouse, your dread, looms 
 up for us, or you will be there and where will Joan, I, 
 be? — here alone, unprotected. It is cruel for you Lo 
 harp on things that are absurdities, dreams, delusions. 
 The real danger you have me netted in with. No 
 hope to escape without you. If I do not attend to 
 duties most faithfully now, Mr. Torby, faced by nev/ 
 demands, may not be able to induce the Directors, 
 to fall in line again, though it is absolutely their ob- 
 ligation to comply with all the demands of the union. 
 If they do not, then comes discharge for me, and 
 down, down, down into the submerged. Then the 
 water or the inhalation of gas is the only refuge for 
 me and you will be alone in the almshouse. No 
 Joan around you to freshen the sweet memories of 
 my dead mother, your dead wife, only the dead re- 
 mains of your loved ones with no money to buy a 
 flo^\er to decorate their graves. Mine will be a pau- 
 per's grave. Which shall it be — life or death." 
 
 With a cry, Lynn fell into her arms and said: 
 "Life." 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 "My God, Applegate," said Mr. Torby, Senior, in 
 a towering passion, "what does this mean? A strike 
 in the plant just unionized? That is the result of 
 your being cajoled, humbugged by that confounded 
 girl with the voices. She should be — " 
 
 "Burned at the stake," interrupted Applegate. 
 looking up defiantly. 
 
 "Yes, burned at the stake, the witch." 
 
 "As a heretic? Thank God, no autos da-fe today, 
 and now, father, why this rage?" 
 
 "Why was this plant unionized? You encour- 
 aged it with might and main." 
 
 "It was unionized so the employees may have all 
 benefits to be derived from the union rules and regu- 
 lations — adhesion, cohesion." 
 
 "Stop that damned nonsense. One would thhik 
 you had been nursed at that fountain with that girl. 
 Do you not see what peril we are in, you especially, 
 as you made such earnest appeals for it?" 
 
 "Now, father, if we did not belong to the union 
 we would not only have a strike on with police pro- 
 tection, but there would be stones flying, battered 
 heads, suspension of work, contracts unfilled and pos- 
 sibly an appeal to the State Government for protec- 
 tion," replied Applegate, trimumphantly. 
 
 "You are right thei^e, but this increase demanded 
 in so short a time for girls and men a dollar day is 
 an outrage." 
 
 "We were not really in the union federation until 
 Miss Joan had the charter, consequently she did not 
 have full particulars." 
 
THE VOICES 99 
 
 "Pleader, I shall ring up Ashton. He has been 
 fretting and fuming recently." 
 
 After a slight discussion of the situation over the 
 phone, Ashton vehemently declared: 
 
 "Let them strike and go to the inferno. Let them 
 do their worst. Do they think, if they destroy all 
 the fruit trees this year, there will be any fruit next 
 year?" 
 
 "Father, it is a fatal mistake to let the plant be 
 unionized and not to submit to the authority of the 
 unions. It is really unfair." 
 
 "Mr. Ashton and I rule here, and we owe some- 
 thing to the corporation. You are getting to be a 
 good limb -of the law, but I advise you to stick to 
 your last." 
 
 "Now, you do not — " 
 
 "No more wrangling. Let them strike. I am go- 
 ing to my office. Send your secretary to me." 
 
 "Father!" 
 
 "Do not say another word. And I insist upon you 
 having your marriage announced without further 
 delay." 
 
 "A few moments later found Joan in the office of 
 Mr. Torby, Senior, who said, "You are discharged." 
 And he looked at her fairly and squarely. 
 
 "Sir, I entreat you to be just and pay the in- 
 creased wages. Did you not allow the plant to be 
 unionized with the tacit understanding that you 
 would conform to rules and regulations?" 
 
 "Why, my pretty young lady, that is just what I 
 wish your unions to do. Abide by your contracts, 
 which you seem in every-day, plain English to have 
 no idea of doing. Of course, it is expected I shall 
 follow your instructions literally," said Mr. Torby, 
 
100 THE VOICES 
 
 sarcastically. "So day after tomorrow, when your 
 voices and visions call you for more money, you will 
 call another strike. It appears your voices and your 
 visions have become partners, co-operating as it were 
 and seducing, yes, seducing young people to your 
 ideas." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I beg you—" 
 
 "Petition for nothing, pray for nothing, for you 
 will get nothing. It is originators and reformers, 
 women like you, that go around wheedling, alluring, 
 tempting with their honeyed words and songs' of the 
 siren, who take men away from the path of duty and 
 upset the industrial and economic conditions and de- 
 stroy the commerce of the country. It will be an- 
 archy next — nationalizing this and nationalizing that 
 and nationalizing women and every other horrible 
 thing." And Mr. Torby spoke his torrent of words 
 in such anger that he struck his desk with his fist 
 with such force that his fist had nearly the worst 
 of the battle. 
 
 "Take breath, Mr. Torby. God forbid anarchy. 
 The unions will just bring love, brotherhood and sis- 
 terhood and peace. If not, God pity those who live 
 in this country." 
 
 Mr. Torby did not answer Joan; he simply touch- 
 ed a button and Dennon entered. "Take Miss Lynn 
 off your payroll." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, you may remember the result of dis- 
 charging Miss Lynn when she unionized the plant. 
 You have no just cause now.'' 
 
 "No need to prick my memory of that occasion." 
 
 "Kindly think it over, Mr. Torby." 
 
 "No need for reflection, young man." 
 
 "I regret—" 
 
THE VOICES 101 
 
 "Mr. Dennon, I am not asl<:ing advice. I am giv- 
 ing you an order." 
 
 "Which I am sorry 1 cannot fulfill. I am going 
 with the secretary. She has done right, right through, 
 ihe is farsighted." 
 
 Mr. Torby opened his books. The interview with 
 him was decided, as far as he was concerned. 
 
 Joan, with a face pale but serene, rushed here 
 and there among the employees and Dennon joined 
 in the work 
 
 In a few hours the plant was in a turmoil; a 
 crowd, then a rush, then a rabble, then a flood. Then 
 men running around to secure support for the sec- 
 retary and the superintendent. In a short while the 
 roaring furnaces were left unattended and to crack 
 and cool at their leisure. 
 
 At the first touch ot the real strike, Ashton and 
 Torby, Senior, sought police protection, getting ready 
 for strikebreakers, and though not so well prepared as 
 might be, Ashton had been active and alert, anticipat- 
 ing what might follow. 
 
 "I say, Ashton," remarked Mr. Torby, Senior, "in 
 the midst of all these distressing scenes, I must say 
 I am opposed to these long, stretched-out engage- 
 ments and I sincerely wish your beautiful daughter 
 would permit the wedding cards to be issued." 
 
 "Possibly, it would be well. As for strikes, there 
 are strikes all over the country — cold and freezing as 
 hailstones and thick as blackberries in June in a hot 
 climate — a regular epidemic." 
 
 "Very unfortunate," answered Mr. Torby. 
 
 "Yes, on the top of being unionized. It will cost 
 a mint of money to get things into shape and the 
 
102 THE VOICES 
 
 bank may have to come to the rescue again, eh, 
 Torby?" 
 
 "It may. Of course, everything depends upon the 
 stubbornness of the strike, but we are a little pre- 
 pared, and I do not doubt but that the strikebreak- 
 ers will soon be here, so the mill can resume opera- 
 tions, ready to continue and fill orders. There must 
 be production and there must be capital. If not cap- 
 ital, how will the employees be paid? Still less the 
 stockholders? Air cannot do it. The radicals de- 
 mand things that will not work both ways. The in- 
 dividual must be protected and have the basic right 
 to work. The foundation of our Constitution — " 
 
 "You are quite riglit in every particular." 
 
 "Stop production, you are stopping work," said 
 Torby. "And above all things, why do they not abide 
 by their contracts? I am sorry Applegate approved 
 of unionizing the plant, but we would not have felt 
 satisfied if we had not done everything to avoid just 
 what we have fallen into now, and, as he says, cor- 
 porations do a little interlocking occasionally also, 
 you see, as well as labor combinations." 
 
 "I suppose — I suppose so," said Ashton, "but 
 these unions go a little too far." 
 
 "And now about the marriage, Ashton." 
 
 "Well, Diana is a little headstrong, but a girl to 
 be worshipped all the same. And Applegate?" 
 
 "They will make a fine team," said Torby, laugh- 
 ingly." 
 
 "I acquiesce in that, Torby." 
 
 "Let the young folks come together and make 
 their arrangements. Something festive will be sea- 
 sonable to relieve the disturbance going on around 
 with this strike. You kindly make ,• arrangement 
 
THE VOICES 103 
 
 when it will be agreeable for Diana to see Applegate." 
 "Very well, Torby; it shall be done," said Ash- 
 ton as he left. 
 
 "Well," said Applegate, "how are matters?" 
 
 "Just as they were. And really the great suffer- 
 ers in these matters are the middle classes. They 
 come between the two millstones and are crushed. 
 The white collars have to pay the piper. Every in- 
 crease of wages is paid by the consumer, too. But 
 say, your adviser's voices do not always tell the 
 truth." 
 
 "Do not forget, the young lady is not- to blame for 
 the times," said Applegate. 
 
 "No excuse for her, but you must admit that it 
 was an unlucky day when she set her foot in the 
 mill and you made the biggest mistake in your life 
 when you took her into your office. But never mind, 
 young folks will make mistakes sometimes, and there 
 are not many to your account." 
 
 A few days afterwards the private secretary was 
 again installed in Applegate's office at his urgent 
 request, and it was thought best, as she would be 
 a good intermediary. 
 
 A few days afterwards Joan said to Applegate: 
 "Mr. Torby, the strikebreakers are coming in this 
 morning." 
 
 "Of course, I suppose with the sympathy and ap- 
 proval of the unions?" 
 
 "Now, Mr. Torby, you know your mill could pay 
 the increased wages of a a dollar a day, and it would 
 soon have been made up by increased production, 
 as I explained to you repeatedly, by efficiency and 
 industry in the work pouring in." 
 
 "A dollar a day to thousands of workers makes a 
 
104 THE VOICES 
 
 great hole in the profits. And I have yet to find the 
 man who wishes to v;ork entirely for the benefit of 
 the other man. But this is a waste of time. Mr. 
 Ashton, my father and the Board of Directors will 
 not hear of such a thing as one cent a day more on 
 account of the principle involved. So that ends the 
 matter." 
 
 "You should be reasonable and see advantages." 
 
 "I am rather blind to those you present, I must 
 acknowledge." 
 
 "You make no attempt to see." And poor Joan 
 would not have been in that office again, on the con- 
 ditions, were it not that her voices were weaken- 
 ing and she was waiting for more direct instruction. 
 
 "Mr. Ashton and my father will show you what 
 can be done without the consent of the unions. These 
 poor devils! The strikebreakers have as much right 
 as you have to make a living, and by God — " 
 
 "Sir, you forget yourself." 
 
 "I suppose one does occasionally. I forgot your 
 mission," with an anxious glance. 
 
 "Yes, my mission. I feel so light and airy that 
 I feel confident I am right to return and see if I can- 
 not induce you to remain with the Federation of La- 
 bor. I have no compunction yet." 
 
 "That can never be and I must be blind, for I 
 do not see at all — all is dark." 
 
 "I am afraid I must leave you." 
 
 "The wish is father to the thought. .Voices — 
 yours, mine, anybody's — may lead us into temptation 
 and sin. Joan, Joan, your voices are often mis- 
 leading." 
 
 "Mine are not," returned Joan. 
 
 Mr. Torby, Senior, entering in a rage, said: 
 
THE VOICES 105 
 
 "Twelve o'clock and your infernal pickets inter- 
 fering with my men — swarming everywhere! This 
 corporation is responsible for the men in its employ- 
 ment and now this union is attempting to paralyze 
 industry. They are violating the laws." 
 
 "Workmen have rights, too." 
 
 "Now, you know, young lady, you were permitted 
 to come back to this office on conditions according 
 to my idea, to protect us from these law violators, 
 -these pickets — you to be an intermediary, and you 
 are doing nothing of the kind." 
 
 "Picketing is their right and a very good one — 
 more effective than the boycott." 
 
 "You are violating the State law, the law of Cali- 
 fornia, and if you do not attempt to suppress picket- 
 ing, as you are here for a conciliatory purpose, 
 you may be — " 
 
 "Go no further, Mr. Torby. If picketing is a vio- 
 lation of the law, it must be suppressed." 
 
 As Joan left the room, Applegate gave her a grate- 
 ful look. 
 
 "I told you, father, I have faith in the human 
 nature of that girl and that she would do what was 
 right, irrespective of sides." And a glow of pleasure 
 suffused his face. 
 
 Joan knew the pickets would come at the noon 
 hour. She thought picketing was an effective weapon 
 and a lawful one. As she came among them, she was 
 received with shouts of welcome. She raised her 
 hand and they assembled around her and she said: 
 
 "Dear friends, while I am glad to see you, it gives 
 me great pain to be told we are violating the law. 
 Picketing and pickets have been engaged in such 
 work, but I am told in all truth, I suppose, that such 
 
106 THE VOICES 
 
 a law forbidding picketing has been passed by the 
 Legislature of California." 
 
 One or two answered: "There is such a law." 
 
 "It is an unjust law," answered the spokesman. 
 "As you may observe, very few States have such 
 laws." 
 
 "Yes," said another logically, "if it were a good 
 law it would be followed by other States." 
 
 "But, friends, you would not wish to break a law 
 when you know it. I am sure you would not." 
 
 "The leaders of the individual, the chapter organ- 
 izations, are under the supervision of the Council 
 and obey," answered the spokesman. "We don't 
 bother our heads about that. The leaders pass their 
 resolutions, give out their order, and we, as good sol- 
 diers, obey. Miss, and that is all. You have done fine 
 work. Miss Lynn, and the organization has honored 
 you as a woman, a young woman as one must say, as 
 the head of this division. We must not question your 
 authority when it comes from a higher power — the 
 Council — nor should you. You may ask for advice." 
 
 "Dear voices, pure voices, come to my rescue," 
 as Joan prayed to herself. "Come, I need you now. 
 Divine Spirit, come." And she trembled. Would 
 her voices desert her? 
 
 "Friends, fellow workers, I am perfectly willing 
 to submit the question to the General Council with 
 the earnest, ardent hope that whether right or wrong, 
 that we, the unions of this Chapter, will not violate 
 a law. Our workers may go along the lines and 
 approach any one whom they know or suspect are 
 union workers and tell them of the force and strength 
 of unionism everywhere, but they must not intrude 
 on the premises. I myself have always been op- 
 
THE VOICES 107 
 
 posed to intimidation, violence or any infringement 
 of the law." 
 
 "Pickets, Miss Lynn," the spokesman replied, "are 
 good reasoners ; they do not do much harm, but they 
 do rhuch good in assisting the cause — they are a 
 good loadstone." 
 
 "If unlawful, the good is overbalanced by the 
 wrong," said Joan. 
 
 Murmurs of discontent followed, and the advice 
 given fell on dull ears. Some jeered. 
 
 "Remember," said one, "it is only a little infrac- 
 tion of the law." 
 
 "But the principle is the same. If you steal a dia- 
 mond pin or a silver thimble, it is a, theft — therefore 
 punishable. Have good thought and right action w°ill 
 follow. Law and order must be maintained." 
 
 "You are too severe in your ideas for the present 
 day," said the spokesman. "And many would be in 
 sympathy with you if you did not exhibit such a de- 
 termined manner." 
 
 "It seems to me," returned Joan deeply mortified, 
 "it is only courage, good judgment and the Divine 
 guidance. The latter makes one very strong." 
 
 "I think. Miss, you are repeating yourself," said 
 the spokesman. 
 
 "Joan turned away with a sad heart, and when 
 she came into Applegate's office she said: 
 
 "My appeal as mediator for the right is in vain, 
 so I must give up my position. I could appeal to 
 the Council, but I fear it would be 'love's labor lost'; 
 so I shall not do that." 
 
 "No, do not, but remain here. So many orders 
 coming in unfilled and more coming in all the time 
 and so much correspondence to be gone through and 
 
108 THE VOICES 
 
 disposed of in this office. Your position cannot al- 
 ways be filled at call. Loss tremendous now, any- 
 way. You may have some good influence on them 
 yet. We were just settling down to big profits. 
 Remain." 
 
 "Profits which you did not intend to share with 
 the workers?" 
 
 "Does labor ever assume responsibilities or con- 
 tribute to losses? It does not. Therefore it would 
 be a one-sided affair to share profits with them. La- 
 bor wants restriction of production, minimum hours 
 and maximum wages." 
 
 "And what else?" Joan felt she was losing ground. 
 
 . "Never mind just now. Sit down and rest, dear, 
 
 poor girl, I mean. Do not be so depressed about it. 
 
 Worse things can happen. Rest your energies, your 
 
 nerves. You exhaust yourself." 
 
 "I shall not countenance a wrong. I shall watch 
 developments and consider it." 
 
 "You are sadly needed here, so do not leave 
 your post." 
 
 "With your permission, I shall think it over with 
 my voices." 
 
 "For my — for God's sake, in these trying times, 
 do not get on your single track again. Go and rest." 
 
 Joan gladly availed herself of the privilege, as 
 she wished to be alone with her voices. 
 
 Later Mr. Torby, Senior, came in. "Has that girl 
 gone ?" 
 
 "Yes, but when she is in here we can always go 
 into my inner office — the sanctum sanctorum." 
 
 "I wish she were in a sanitarium. I intend she 
 shall give up her position. No word about it. One 
 must—" 
 
THE VOICES 109 
 
 "You persecute her — you are entirely too severe." 
 
 "Too severe, bah! I tell Ashton we must sur- 
 render — orders unfilled, violence around, guards here 
 and there, in danger of missiles of some description. 
 I tell you it is a miserable life — living like a despot, 
 fearing assassination, or brains knocked in or knocked 
 out." 
 
 "Keep up, brace up. You are exaggerating things 
 in your own mind. Take things as they come. Be 
 a little more philosophical and wait until the worst 
 comes to the worst." 
 
 "Applegate, I am surprised at you. I do believe 
 you are heart and soul a union man. Anyway, Ash- 
 ton says he will let the whole thing go to perdition 
 before he will give in this time, and I believe, if you 
 do not go at once to see Diana as you promised and 
 have those cards issued, he is the man to do it, too. 
 Ring up Ashton and ask him to kindly make arrange- 
 ments for a meeting with Diana. You promised me 
 you would do it. For what are you waiting again?" 
 
 "Tomorrow," said Applegate, with a mournful face, 
 groaning. 
 
 "For what are you moaning and groaning? Going 
 to have a tooth extracted? I thought you were al- 
 most infatuated with Diana once upon a time. Her 
 beauty, her wealth, her position, everything in her 
 favor. She is turning the tables now." 
 
 "A time of changes. I shall go tomorrow, if I 
 do not die at my post." 
 
 "Applegate, do not wring my heart over again. 
 The same scene does no good. Bring yourself up 
 to the emergency, my dear boy, up to the emergency." 
 And he grasped Applegate's hand and Applegate 
 bent down and dropped a tear on his father's hand. 
 
CHAPTER X. 
 
 Applegate Torby, in a fever of despair, approached 
 the beautiful Ashton home. His own home was one 
 of the show places of the city, but it did not compare 
 with Diana's. The ball room, the art gallery, the 
 library, the dining room, the museum, the garden, 
 were marvels of size, beauty and taste combined. 
 The treasures of Europe contributed to the furnish- 
 ings of this magnificent pile of architecture. 
 
 The tension of Applegate's nerves brought on a 
 reaction so extreme that he no longer saw beauty in 
 the great bunches of wistaria which were, by some 
 wizard's craft, still blooming with tropical luxuriance ; 
 the climbing Banksiae roses, the Virginia creeper with 
 its dark red autumnal hues. With a flight of the 
 imagination he was as if in a dream and was to have 
 that dream realized with the girl of the voices, the 
 eyes of light and shade. 
 
 Before Applegate was conscious of what he was 
 doing or saying, he was in the mansion of the proud 
 beauty and begging for that happiness which, when 
 awake, he knew would be endless misery. It was 
 the "Emergency" and he plunged, partially awake, 
 headlong into that chasm. 
 
 Diana said, laughingly: "We have been engaged 
 quite a time, why such protestations now, such 
 mumbling of all kinds of inconceivable things? Come 
 out with the unvarnished truth and just say, 'Diana, 
 my queen to be, when will the cards be issued?' 
 That is all — simplicity in words as well as dress 
 for the rich — the exalted on all occasions. Not- 
 withstanding my simplicity, Applegate, you must 
 
THE VOICES 111 
 
 work for something official. Wliy, Applegate. your 
 enthusiasm cools already, your apathy begins — your 
 pallor." 
 
 "I am overwrought with the strike at the plant," 
 said Applegate. "It is a perfect arsenal and we are 
 living in a state of siege, and I am ready—" 
 
 "Never surrender." 
 
 "I'm afraid the white flag will have to be run up." 
 
 "No, no. A strong man never would." 
 
 "I admit the charge. I am a weakling — like a 
 piece of paper before the wind, blown hither and 
 thither with the air." 
 
 "That must not be." 
 
 "It cannot be avoided — fate is dragging me." 
 
 "But with me, we could — we can resist hurri- 
 canes." 
 
 "Yes, my treasure," replied Applegate, feebly, 
 "let us forget the strike and not dash the happi- 
 ness from us." 
 
 "You are right, for I am a creature of impulses — 
 today one thing, tomorrow another. Let us drink 
 while we may of the cup that is offered to our thirsty 
 lips." And Diana passed her strong arms around 
 his neck and kissed him fervently. And they spoke 
 and decided about the announcement of the wedding, 
 the issuing of the cards, etc. She encouraged him 
 not to worry about the wedding invitations, but to 
 send in his list. Her critical eye would scan it — 
 just leave everything to her and she felt confident 
 everything would be mutually agreeable. 
 
 "You will pass muster, Diana." And she smiled 
 with complacency. 
 
 Applegate, when refreshed by a cup of tea which 
 she brewed, said : "Duty's stern voice calls me to 
 
112 THE VOICES 
 
 leave you, Diana, and attend to battered heads, pro- 
 vided I can evade the battery of frowning faces and 
 muttered oaths." 
 
 "Your private entrance?" 
 
 "I had momentarily forgotten that. We officers 
 must protect ourselves all we can." And Applegate, 
 with another pressure of Diana's hand, a Hght kiss, 
 an affirmative response to "Come again very soon," 
 went out and allowed the butler to put on his over- 
 coat and hat without once turning his head. 
 
 After Applegate left, Diana sat down and in- 
 dulged in a brown study. She was very much sur- 
 prised at his actions; amazed and bewildered at this 
 weakness — this Apollo with Herculean physical and 
 mental strength to succumb to a strike! "And dear 
 me, just think, I forgot to thank Applegate for his 
 gorgeous orchids." The orchids which Applegate's 
 father had sent for him, knowing that in his present 
 condition he would forget to order flowers. 
 
 Diana's reverie was cut short by a card being sent 
 in, and she said: "Admit him." And shortly after, 
 Senator Athelstane was announced. His visit had also 
 been heralded with a basket of magnificent orchids; 
 so, as soon as he entered, Diana remarked: "Those 
 orchids are simply lovely— a pleasure to the senses — 
 my favorite flower." 
 
 "Ah, so I see." And he glanced at the other bas- 
 ket, which had also been arranged with artistic skill. 
 
 Diana, and the Senator had a delightful tete a tete, 
 as he had a large fund of anecdotes at his command, 
 in addition to his political position and his travels 
 over the world made him a most interesting man. 
 He considered himself as a woman might — with men 
 
THE VOICES 113 
 
 in the present day, irresistible! Diana extended to 
 him the hospitality of the house. 
 
 "If I were being entertained in Mexico," said the 
 Senator, "I would be told that the house and every- 
 thing in it were mine. An acquaintance of mine, 
 having received such a generous welcome, ^answered : 
 'He would not rob him of his house, but he would 
 take a salt shaker, it was so unique.' When the hos- 
 tess said: 'Kindly select some other trifle. While 
 this shaker has no intrinsic value, it has been in the 
 family for some six centuries.' The man, understand- 
 ing the situation, quickly but quietly replied : 'Do not 
 disturb yourself. I shall select something before I 
 go that will please me equally as well.' She replied: 
 'I hope you will.' My acquaintance left without any 
 memento and the hostess, very considerately, did not 
 remind him of it.." 
 
 "What a sensible person!" 
 
 "I do not know that he was such a sensible fellow 
 after all. For had he continued asking for some trifle, 
 for the sake of riddance, he would have received a 
 memento of his visit." After an instant, he contin- 
 ued: "Someone might ask for something that would 
 be larger than territories." 
 
 "An insane person might, especially — " 
 
 "Please do give me a moment to express my ideas. 
 Territories, used metaphorically." 
 
 "In this instance, I suppose it must be, as there 
 are no territories at Mexico's disposal. Well, Sen- 
 ator?" 
 
 "I mean there is something I should like to carry 
 off with me that is something more precious than 
 territories." 
 
 "Indeed! Explain yourself," said Diana. 
 
114 THE VOICES 
 
 "Something whose appraisement — " 
 
 "Why, Senator, we are drifting to taxation on 
 land, and I fear — " 
 
 "I mean more valuable than precious stones." 
 
 "Precious stones I only estimate in two ways — 
 money for men, adornment for women." 
 
 "I am not going to purchase a lottery ticket, still 
 I am going to win a prize." 
 
 "Senator, Senator, I beg you — " 
 
 "This prize upon which I have set my very heart 
 I must carry off with me soon, very soon." And he 
 moved closer to Diana. 
 
 "There has been a drawing already." 
 
 "The prize has been taken, no doubt, but in com- 
 mittee meetings parliamentary rules may prevail — 
 reconsider this motion." 
 
 "No; that would provoke discussion." And Diana 
 felt quite strong in her resolution. 
 
 The Senator grew pale under her steady gaze, but 
 continued : "I hope you remember the talk about the 
 mass meeting. Well, it will be held next week, and 
 I hope you will honor the occasion by being one of 
 the vice-presidents and seated on the platform with 
 our prominent representative people of San Fran- 
 cisco. Possibly you will give us a few words if you 
 approve or disapprove of anything that is brought 
 forward and would kindly supplement it with thoughts 
 of your own vigorous mind. It would add greatly to 
 that cause. The League of course, if you will speak 
 for that, it will be an incalculable favor." 
 
 Diana replied: "I shall consider it an honor and 
 greatly appreciate yqur conception of my power." 
 
 Diana admired the Senator for his tact in the 
 prize matter. 
 
THE VOICES lis 
 
 A few days later, Mr. Charles Torby called a 
 meeting of the Board of Directors, and Joan was 
 allowed to be present. The eight-hour day was al- 
 ready the rule in the plant; the increased demand 
 was allowed, and the closed shop maintained. 
 
 The strikers and strikebreakers vanished. The 
 furnaces were started up, and, as may be imagined, 
 everyone concerned was in a transport of happiness — 
 to the intense delight of Applegate. 
 
 The following day Joan said to Applegate: "You 
 should have had the agreement with the unions signed 
 for the prohibition of picketing. I am now informed 
 positively it is a violation of the laws of California. 
 You — the Board must deal honestly and justly with 
 the employees, and they in their turn must keep their 
 contracts. Labor is a great potential force, but it 
 must not resort to intimidation or violence. Law and 
 order must be preserved." 
 
 "To ask that that clause be inserted now would 
 only induce another strike to this strike; so let us 
 cross that bridge at the next strike — too much time 
 lost already. The Directors will not take it up now. 
 It is only resorted to, anyway, in extreme cases, when 
 the public is in sympathy with the movement. So 
 satisfy your conscience." 
 
 "It is not in unison with my idea of principle. 
 We must only stand for what is right and good." 
 
 "Think it over again. Miss Joan. We owe you 
 much and do not wish to lose so high-minded a per- 
 son as you are." 
 
 Joan went to her desk and said : "Mr. Torby, I 
 do not think I shall be able to remain long in this 
 position, as the views maintained by the Board are 
 not in unison with mine." 
 
116 THE VOICES 
 
 "The voices, Joan." 
 
 "Miss Joan, please. The voices ring me up con- 
 stantly and say: 'Put on your armor, Joan, and fight 
 the good fight.' I also feel injustice and inertia do 
 no good. Metaphysics do not work in this instance. 
 It must be physical action. No one must violate the 
 laws of this glorious Republic." 
 
 "Amen, dear Joan. But listen — " 
 
 "No time for words." 
 
 "Yes, dear Joan," rushing from his seat and mov- 
 ing towards her. 
 
 "Miss Joan, I say." 
 
 "Joan, dear Joan, I insist." 
 
 "Allow me to congratulate you on your wedding 
 announcement," replied Joan, coldly. 
 
 Sinking back in his chair, Applegate said slowly: 
 "Of course, marriage is only an incident in one's life — 
 a breath of wind, a summer's haze to be suppressed 
 by another — a memory to be washed out at one's con- 
 venience — easily done." 
 
 "Mr. Torby. I wonder—" 
 
 "Now, Joan—" 
 
 "Where is your honor, Mr. Torby?" 
 
 "Now, Joan dear, if you will have it so, I beg 
 your pardon. You are much to blame yourself. This 
 strike, this unionizing, all come from your influence 
 over me." 
 
 "Blame the woman — she tempted Adam without 
 doubt, but he ate greedily and man has done so 
 ever since." 
 
 "Oh, sad the day when one is no longer master 
 of himself — when the tree and bush grow brown and 
 bare; winter commences and sets in cold and bleak 
 and one needs warmth and comfort. So it is with a 
 
THE VOICES 117 
 
 great love when it cannot reach the fire. Do you 
 not feel for one out in the cold?" 
 
 "Not always. Why do you talk in such an am- 
 biguous manner? One would have to go to the Del- 
 phic oracle to have your meaning unraveled." 
 
 "Is it not quite plain to you?" 
 
 "No. You are unintelligible to me. No doubt you 
 are wrong, too." 
 
 "Can one in love be wrong?" 
 
 "I am very glad to know you are deeply in love 
 with your affianced." 
 
 "Joan, dear, I am verging on the line of insanity." 
 
 "Then become less pronounced in your love and 
 become sane." 
 
 "Is a man in love ever sane?" 
 
 "Possibly not. Why do you not pray to the Cre- 
 ator, who guides us all?" 
 
 "Now, dear, Joan — " 
 
 "You are really growing intolerable." 
 
 "Your voices cannot prevent my calling you Joan 
 dear, or angel, and I know you will forgive me when 
 I tell you this surrender has been hotly contested for 
 days and I have worked on it incessantly with the 
 hope to have you retained in this position, where you 
 will have to meet with those deserving of your re- 
 spect and have the respect you deserve, and which 
 I am determined you shall always have. The whole 
 affair has worked on my nerves to such an extent 
 that as soon as the works are in full blast and I see 
 things on a permanent basis for good, faithful work, 
 I am going to the country to tone up my exhausted 
 condition." 
 
 "Of course you will on your honeymoon trip." 
 
 "My condition may be rather serious — " 
 
118 THE VOICES 
 
 "Forgotten again that wedding?" 
 
 "You need not remind me of it every minute.: — 
 it will come soon enough." 
 
 "I assure you, you need a rest and that rest 
 will be an excellent tonic for your nerves, and the 
 country in California, with its hills and canyons and 
 flowers of every hue, you know so well." 
 
 "Right about that. Do not let anyone talk to 
 me of Berkshire Hills any more." / 
 
 "And who would not go into rhapsodies over Cal- 
 ifornia scenery?" 
 
 "Joan, I thank you. I shall take a walk." 
 
 "Where is Mr. Torby?" asked Mr. Torby, Senior, 
 as he entered a few moments after Applegate left. 
 
 "Gone for a walk. His nerves are a bit unstrung." 
 
 Angry words rose to Mr. Torby's lips, and he 
 said : "That young man will be running amuck yet, 
 under the impression that for certain reasons it is 
 the right thing for him to do unless influenced other- 
 wise." 
 
 "Who would be so base, Mr. Torby, to wish to 
 inculcate evil propensities in the mind of anyone, 
 still less in the mind of one's own employer? I have 
 just differed with your son on some point which I 
 thought should have been inserted when the new 
 agreement was made." 
 
 "And it was?" 
 
 "That as picketing is prohibited by the State Leg- 
 islature of California, and it is intimidation, often re- 
 sulting in violence, it should be abolished." 
 
 "As the unions now have everything they can 
 demand and the employers have yielded to all de- 
 mands, the strike with this plant is over. There is 
 
THE VOICES 119 
 
 nothing to fear. Why bring up trouble? My son 
 is shoiwng good judgment in this affair." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I regret to differ with you so decid- 
 edly. We see things in a different light. I wish to 
 lead my life on the principle of doing right. What 
 would life be without that consciousness? I told 
 your son that under the circumstances I would not, 
 as much as I need the position and enjoy it's pay, I 
 should be compelled to resign. He then asked me 
 to remain and reconsider it, to which I assented." 
 
 "1 hope you do not presume to dictate?" said Hr. 
 Torby, in an authoritative way. He was really glad 
 to know that Applegate's opinion and his were now 
 for once in opposition to the secretary, as he had an 
 innate and intense feeling of dislike for her, which 
 was caused subconsciously by her influence over 
 Applegate. 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I do not try to exert any influence 
 over any one except for good. As for dictating — " 
 when Applegate, to the consternation of his father, 
 came in. 
 
 "Father, Miss Lynn is my secretary, and I really 
 cannot have anyone say anything to her but myself." 
 
 "I thought you were going to take a walk? The 
 air would be good for you?" said Joan. 
 
 "I am too restless. Working in this office is, any- 
 way, the best medicine for me, and my doctor is my 
 secretary, who relieves me of thinking by her as- 
 siduity, her ability and her capacity for work. What 
 more can I ask and what more can you ask? She 
 has done wonders for the plant and is a safeguard 
 for the future." 
 
 "For the future? As I just explained to the sec- 
 retary" — Mr. Torby, Senior, was too angry to call 
 
120 THE VOICES 
 
 her by name — "there could be no more strikes, unless 
 they want all the plants to close and work on their 
 own responsibilities and meet their own obligations, 
 which I do not believe they are eager to do. If they 
 are, they can do so — there will be no objection." 
 
 "Father, I asked Miss Lynn to reconsider her 
 objection on the principle that makes life worth liv- 
 ing on this terrestrial sphere — the high principle of 
 doing what is right — and she has consented. Do not, 
 dearest father, object to my request." 
 
 And what could Mr. Torby say to his idolized son 
 in his condition but to bow his head in acquiescence? 
 
 "And Miss Lynn, you will do what you promised — 
 remain?" asked Applegate. 
 
 And Joan replied : "I shall reconsider, Mr. Torby." 
 
CHAPTER XI. 
 
 In the Auditorium in the Civic Center was assem- 
 bled a vast throng- of some ten thousand people. Peo- 
 ple of all classes had responded to the call, from the 
 richest to the poorest, from the Divine to the hum- 
 blest of his parishioners, from the heads of the great 
 commercial houses to the lowest of their clerks, from 
 the great bankers to the poorest of their clients, and 
 from all ranks of life. Some came to hear the music, 
 some the eloquent speakers, and some to see and be 
 seen, but never in the history of California, even dur- 
 ing the Civil War, when brother fought against 
 brother, was there so much enthusiasm to hear, to 
 be able to talk and ask questions, as at this open 
 forum meeting, where the League of Nations would 
 be and could be discussed in all its articles, bearings 
 and details. People were very much agitated over it 
 and everything pertaining to it, but the real point at 
 issue was to bring "Our Boys" back from Siberia and 
 keep them in America. 
 
 Senator Athelstane was in the chair, surrounded 
 by the city's representative people on the platform 
 Mr. Ashton, Diana, Mr. Torby, Senior, Applegate 
 Torby, Congressman Hardwick, Mrs. Wotton and 
 many others were also seated there. Diana was in 
 reach of the Senator's ear as well as eye. The Star 
 Spangled Banner was sung to the glorious music with 
 fervor of soul and an ardent zeal not often surpassed. 
 Senator Athelstane opened the meeting by saying: 
 "As it is in an open forum meeting, anyone may 
 rise and speak on any subject pertaining to the wel- 
 
122 THE VOICES 
 
 fare, economic and industrial conditions of our be- 
 loved America." 
 
 A man arose and, after proper questioning, was 
 recognized by the chair. 
 
 "Mr. Turpeth of San Francisco." 
 
 "I am for the League of Nations without reser- 
 vations." 
 Joan rising, giving name, was recognized. 
 
 "Miss Lynn, Miss Joan Lynn." 
 
 "I am for the League, provided peace will be im- 
 mediate; all lay down arms, all must concur — other- 
 wise, why the League?" 
 
 Some few hisses were heard, which were promptly 
 suppressed by the Senator. 
 
 "Of course," continued Joan, smiling, her pallor 
 unnoticed in the brilliant light of the Auditorium, 
 "the war is still raging where the League has been 
 accepted. These are problems possible to be solved 
 by those closer in touch with these momentous ques- 
 tions, as they are difficult to masticate, being food ior 
 thought, and must be Fletcherized." 
 
 Another man arose and, without waiting for rec- 
 ognition, said: 
 
 "I am not in favor of the League of Nations, be- 
 cause I do not think it can keep us out of war any 
 more than a quarreling man and wife can have peace 
 by resorting to the court. Europe is a seething caul- 
 dron today. 'Touch not,' I was going to say 'Taste 
 not,' but we are not tasting much today." Which 
 provoked laughter. 
 
 A tall man arose and said: "I am not interested 
 in the League, but in labor. Labor is my province." 
 
 Congressman Hardwick arose and said: "The 
 condition of labor has improved wonderfully." 
 
THE VOICES 123 
 
 "Not so much as you think," replied the tall man. 
 
 The Congressman answered: "The people must 
 remember that the laborer of today has comforts that 
 people of wealth did not possess in former times; 
 also that the heads and managers of corporations are 
 constantly making improvements for the betterment 
 of his conditions." 
 
 "It is true," replied Joan, rising, "that the unions 
 have greatly benefited labor conditions. We do not 
 deny and we do not wish to deny, but it is also true 
 that inventions — man's brain — have added to the com- 
 forts of mankind in general and labor or wages de- 
 pend more or less upon supply and demand — produc- 
 tion made possible by brains." 
 
 The tall man arose and said in a loud, distinct 
 voice: "We, the laborers, made these conditions. 
 Compulsion did it, and we are going on that line 
 until we receive our dues." These remarks were fol- 
 lowed by a roar of applause. 
 
 "True," replied Joan, "to a degree more or less, 
 but as I said, 'trade is regulated by supply and 
 demand.' " 
 
 Another man arose and said: "Employment is 
 somewhat regulated by supply and demand and we 
 take advantage of it. We didn't make the war. The 
 financiers and speculators did that." 
 
 Mr. Charles Torby arose and said: "If financiers 
 provoked war — I do not believe they did — thev have 
 committed a crime and their day of reckoning has 
 come. They had a tragic part in the war, they gave 
 up their dear ones in battle." 
 
 A stout man arose and flung his arms around in 
 defiance: "Yes, on boards, on committees, in the 
 Quartermaster's Department, in soft places/' 
 
124 THE VOICES 
 
 "True," spoke Applegate Torby, "but you cannot 
 complain. You have had soft places comparatively 
 to the soldiers in the trenches or out of them. Think ! 
 You followed the vocations you were always engaged 
 in previous to the war. You remained home with 
 your wives and children in the bosom of your fam- 
 ilies." 
 
 Another man arose and said: "You do not know 
 there is war in the absence of your dear ones. You 
 only know the war has brought you more wages and 
 more comfort. No boy cries to you, 'Father, mother, 
 I wish to come home to America. It is bitter cold 
 here. I live in the heart of cold, slush and mud, with 
 little to wear. My work is accomplished for which 
 I enlisted or was drafted to save the world from im- 
 perialism. Now that my work is done, again I say 
 my heart cries out mother, father, brother, sister, 
 sweetheart, friends, America, my country. I do not 
 wish to police Europe, not even France, La Belle 
 France ; I am crying for home, for America.' " And 
 his words shook the house. 
 
 "Name, name," came from many throats, but the 
 name was not forthcoming. 
 
 Diana arose and was recognized by the Senator: 
 "You all know things can be interpreted in different 
 ways. The words by the preceding speaker were 
 full of pathos. It appealed absolutely to the hearts 
 of the people and not to the mind." 
 
 "Pardon, Miss Ashton," said Joan, "for differing. 
 Does not your interpretation of the League say that 
 not one of 'Our Boys' will be in Europe the day 
 after the League is signed?" 
 
 Diana quickly retorted : "I appeal to the chair for 
 information." 
 
THE VOICES 125 
 
 Senator Athelstane said: "I avail myself of par- 
 liamentary rules and do not sway from the chair." 
 
 Again Diana replied, quick as a flash: "I think 
 such a direct question can only be answered by those 
 in Washington, who have been selected for the work. 
 The chairman. Senator Athelstane, is right." 
 
 Applegate Torby now threw in a word: "I be- 
 lieve we should not criticise our Government, whose 
 men at the helm certainly know what is best and 
 their deliberation indicates it." 
 
 Diana made a motion as if to rise, when Mr. Ash- 
 ton said in a low, stern voice: "Diana, be seated, 
 unless you approve of everything Applegate said, 
 which is politic, I am sure, as it accords with Ath- 
 elstane." 
 
 "But lately every movement of his rasps me." 
 
 "That is the reason you must not say anything 
 further — make a public scene." 
 
 "How could I think of forgetting myself? How 
 vulgar!" replied Diana, with a sharp look at Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
 Mrs. Wotton then said: "Mr. Chairman, I am not 
 so much interested in the League. What I wish, as 
 the war is over, for 'Our Boys,' having valiantly done 
 their duty, to come home. I ask the sentiment of 
 every laborer, banker, every American in feeling 
 here to express it." 
 
 A perfect storm of applause followed her words. 
 They stamped their feet, as their lungs did not seem 
 to be able to give utterance to the strain upon them. 
 
 "And who holds the trumps now?" they shouted, 
 "The people." 
 
 Senator Athelstane arose, but the uproar contin- 
 
126 THE VOICES 
 
 ued. He pounded his gavel in the most forcible way. 
 Finally when prder was restored he said: 
 
 "I know you all know I am just as anxious as 
 any of you — every American heart beats the same 
 way — but things cannot be adjusted at once, but I 
 assure you just as soon as possible our boys will 
 come home. You know that today the sentiment is 
 strongly opposed to war." 
 
 "But still continues," interrupted another man, 
 "and crime is rampant, suicides frequent, insanity on 
 the increase, even children indulging in crime un- 
 heard of, influenza, and, and — " 
 
 Joan, rising: "Medical science has done remark- 
 ably well with influenza and epidemics, bringing down 
 the death rate to a remarkably low figure. Epidemics 
 of some kind to a more or less degree follow wars 
 and pilgrimages the world over, and — " 
 
 "Our liberties are interfered with in a thousand 
 ways," interrupted a man. 
 
 "For instance?" asked the chairman. 
 
 "We can't rent the homes, the apartments we 
 v>rant to." 
 
 "Lack of money?" inquired the Senator. 
 
 "Yes, and sometimes they object to children." 
 
 "May I ask a question, Mr. Chairman?" 
 
 "Certainly," replied the Senator, "Mrs. Wotton." 
 
 "If you had some apartments, would you let them 
 to, irrespective of reference, just to anyone?" 
 
 "Madam, I beg you to understand above all things, 
 I am a gentleman. I should certainly desire to have 
 agreeable people around my family; that is my 
 privilege." 
 
 "And may not others have the same ideas about 
 whom they would like to have for their neighbors, 
 
THE VOICES 127 
 
 especially in apartment houses? It is not altogether 
 home life, but it might become unbearable otherwise." 
 
 "My viewpoint is dififerent." 
 
 Another man said: "It is fortunate views are 
 different. As, for example, the following anecdote: 
 'If opinions were not different, every man would want 
 my wife.' Another remarked, 'So, and if every man 
 were of my opinion, no one would want her.' " 
 Which, of course, occasioned a laugh. The man con- 
 tinued : "We must not ask for too much paternalism, 
 because after a while there will be so many laws that 
 there will be confusion in obeying them, become irk- 
 some and possibly not obeyed. Laws should be sim- 
 ple and well understood, but enforced, and if violated, 
 punished. Law and order must be preserved ; if not, 
 our Republic will be menaced by anarchy and civili- 
 zation turned back thousands of years." 
 
 Here came an objector: "I object to that view. 
 I am sure the majority will agree with me. Vote 
 upon it." 
 
 Joan arose and said: "Let us have a resolution 
 presented to a committee for adoption or a rising vote 
 taken upon the sentiments expressed by the gentle- 
 man who preceded me." 
 
 "No," responded Athelstane, "this meeting has not 
 been called to provoke ill feeling, but an open forum 
 meeting to discuss things in an amiable way. Not- 
 withstanding there have been pros and cons, I think 
 all have had proper consideration, and I trust by the 
 time we meet again things will be so far adjusted 
 that we shall have a better appreciation of one an- 
 other. As I said, 'An honest confession is good for 
 the soul/ and the best thing for opponents is to 
 speak openly and conscientiously. It is the best way 
 
128 THE VOICES 
 
 to bring about a convincing argument and bear good 
 fruit. Let us call all unanswered questions, unfin- 
 ished business." 
 
 Joan arose quickly and said: "I am afraid we 
 shall never reach the millennium at this rate. We 
 'shall simply be flooded out. Action should always 
 follow talk if good seed is to be planted and not wait 
 for waves or wind to do the work. Inertia is death." 
 
 Some one, a man to be sure, arose and said : "How 
 about the high cost of living? That is as serious a 
 question as any presented here." 
 
 Athelstane, fearing things might be steering in 
 deep waters, replied: "It seems to be high living 
 instead of the high cost of living. In this case then," 
 in a cold voice, "the minority will rule. It is grow- 
 ing late, and if I detain you too long, you will not 
 be anxious to come when the next meeting will be 
 held. I thank you for your attendance here tonight 
 and appreciate your kind indulgence, and after the 
 singing of 'My Country, 'Tis of Thee, Sweet Land 
 of Liberty,' the meeting will be adjourned." 
 
 The inspiring hymn was sung with great warmth 
 and the audience dispersed, with the exception of 
 some few, who lingered a moment to congratulate 
 the Senator upon the success of the evening. 
 
 Applegate went up to Diana. She was so in- 
 tensely interested in Athelstane, who was surround- 
 ed by his admirers, that after saying in a friendly 
 way, "An evening to be remembered," turned her 
 face to the Senator. 
 
 When Applegate looked over the passing crowd, 
 he rushed out of the building, and as fate would 
 have it, almost crushed Joan as she came from the 
 other exit. 
 
THE VOICES 129 
 
 "Why this haste, Mr. Torby?" 
 
 "And where are you going this time of night 
 alone?" returned Applegate. 
 
 "Father was so tired when he came home this 
 evening that I did not have the heart to press him 
 to come with me." 
 
 "Quite right. I shall see that you get home safe. 
 Here is my car. Step in," as he beckoned to the 
 chauffeur. 
 
 "Do not, for heaven's sake, call that man. Is it 
 possible that you think I am lost to all sense of 
 honor? Oh, Mr. Tobey." 
 
 "I am going to take you home." And he told the 
 chauffeur his services would not be required. 
 
 "Now, Miss Joan, you hear, I do not forget your 
 title. I respect you, therefore cannot allow you 
 in these dangerous times to go about unattended. 
 Out of the question." 
 
 "Now, Mr. Torby, do not make a scene, but you 
 must take the young lady home who is soon to be 
 your bride. You owe it to her, you owe it to me." 
 
 "Now, Joan dear, I told you before not to remind 
 me of that so often. Time enough when I am mar- 
 ried. Then I shall be the model husband and make 
 her be the model wife." 
 
 "I cannot listen to such talk any longer. It is 
 offensive." 
 
 "Now, Joan dear, I am ill, as you know, and as 
 you see, and you must have a little patience." 
 
 "Indeed, I have the patience of Job with you. I 
 have now come to the point where patience ceases 
 to be a virtue, and indeed, if it were not for the 
 dishonor of all concerned, I should put you in the 
 hands of that policeman over there, who is eyeing 
 
130 THE VOICES 
 
 us intently, and no doubt will soon come over here 
 and tell you to move on. So please take me to a 
 car, then go home and rest. In the morning call on 
 Miss Ashton and make apologies for your lack of con- 
 sideration for her, or do whatever you like. My father 
 is not well and will become very uneasy. And re- 
 member, he is a man passionately addicted to honor 
 and is liable to become dangerous if you impugn that 
 sacred thing with even indirect insinuations." 
 
 "I only wish to protect you from everything and 
 everybody. If you feel that way about it, I shall 
 simply see you to the car; otherwise, I shall not 
 let you move." 
 
 Joan saw the mood he was in and that he was 
 really allowing himself to act in an irresponsible way 
 and then take refuge under the plea of nervous ex- 
 haustion. So she allowed him his way, and when 
 he hailed a car and paid her fare and said "Good 
 night" and looked at her appealingly, she resolved 
 to break her promise of reconsidering, but tell him 
 she would leave at once. Yes, she must leave at 
 once. Her voices had new work for her. Every- 
 thing was decided for her. 
 
 As she reached home, Joan's father was waiting 
 for her, walking restlessly up and down the room. 
 
 "Why, father, I thought you were so tired you 
 could not chaperone me tonight, and here you are 
 not abed yet, still less asleep. And I told you, you 
 must have rest." 
 
 "Was the young boss there tonight? You know 
 what I told you about him." Lynn strode up and 
 down the room with increasing speed. 
 
 "Father, the young boss is ill. Indeed, I con- 
 sider him too ill to work and you will soon be in 
 
THE VOICES 131 
 
 the same condition. Why make a mountain out of 
 a molehill?" 
 
 "Yer may be right, Joan. Are yer certain he 
 is sick?" 
 
 "He is not in a dying condition, but — " 
 
 "I was in hope he was." 
 
 "Now, it is sinful to wish people to die — the span 
 of life is short enough." 
 
 "Some pepul do lots of harm ev'n when they don't 
 live long." 
 
 "That is true. Do you not think it would be well 
 for you to forget him? Anyway, I do not think I 
 shall remain there very long. I may resign any day, 
 so go to rest. Good night." 
 
 "Goodness, I'll sleep good tonight." 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 "Well, Miss Joan, the mass meeting was a great 
 success last night. It does one good to hear differ- 
 ent views. We might become narrow and contracted 
 when we hear only one side, and you did remarkably 
 well. I was afraid you would meet my concentrated 
 gaze and that I would unnerve you. Your first word 
 in public, you know." Applegate rattled off these 
 sentences with a flippant rapidity that did not per- 
 mit Joan to interrupt him. 
 
 "Sir!" replied Joan, in her most freezing tones. 
 "You could not unnerve me by your stare, as I was 
 too absorbed in my subject." 
 
 "What is the matter? You are cold as an icicle." 
 
 "After your most outrageous, unbearable, auda- 
 cious conduct, you ask me to be civil to you? I have 
 neither superlatives nor words to express my indig- 
 nation at your conduct." 
 
 "Oh, Joan, Joan, if you had only been thrown 
 across my path before!" 
 
 "I am Miss Joan, you know." 
 
 "No, no more Miss Joan to me. You are my Joan, 
 Joan, my Joan." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I regret to say it, but your brain 
 must be disturbed; otherwise you would not make 
 such a pitiable lovesick object out of yourself. After 
 last night's ungentlemanly conduct it must be that 
 brains are on a strike and you must be careful and 
 seek medical advice and be sure to go on your wed- 
 ding trip. It is to take place very soon." 
 
 "Ugh! That thought is the cause of my break- 
 down." 
 
THE VOICES 133 
 
 "Do not take refuge for that in your shortcom- 
 ings. The world will laugh at you for your auto- 
 suggestions." 
 
 "But my horizon has climbed and rhymed — " 
 
 "No vers libre," smiled Joan in spite of her de- 
 pressed and distressed feelings. 
 
 "You did not let me finish," persisted Applegate. 
 "You are photographed on my heart, Joan — my. heart, 
 my soul is for you, Joan. I am on the edge of a 
 rock at the cliff; do not throw me off." 
 
 "The weight of your own sins will throw you off 
 and dash you to destruction and death amid the 
 breakers. The breakers will carry your body far out 
 to sea and your life to your father and Miss Ashton, 
 your bride, will only be a memory, and not a pleas- 
 ant one, either." 
 
 "Save me. I love you. What more can mortal 
 man say?" 
 
 "Stop that talk; it is sacrilege. I told my father 
 last night that I would resign this morning, Mr. 
 Torby." 
 
 "Your promise, you faithless girl, to reconsider 
 to remain?" 
 
 "I cannot, under these circumstances." 
 
 "I cannot let you go. My love must hold you 
 like a chain invisible." 
 
 "This is madness, it is wicked, it is humiliating." 
 And Joan burst into tears. 
 
 "No, it is holy. My love for you is father and 
 mother. God rest mother's soul." 
 
 "Do not desecrate your mother's name with sin." 
 
 "Love knows no barrier. It is no sin to love. 
 And you love me too. I can see it in your anger, 
 in your tears. You are the sun, moon and stars to 
 
134 THE VOICES 
 
 me — you are hope. You are all that makes a man 
 glad." And he extended his arms to her. 
 
 "One step nearer, Mr. Torby, and I touch the 
 button. As I told you, it is a great shock to me 
 to hear you continue talking in this way. As I told 
 you when I came in I should resign today, but if 
 I hear anything more I shall, be compelled to go at 
 once and leave unfinished some work which requires 
 a few hours' time," said Joan with a pale face. 
 
 "It is your purity of soul and thought that at- 
 tracts me." 
 
 "You have more than a wrong way of expression, 
 because you wish to rob me of that by your very 
 thoughts. ' Everything I wish and hope for is a bub- 
 ble. No, I retract that. I still have faith in my 
 mission. My voices are telling me that I have just 
 begun my work and I hoped you would itidirectly 
 work with me. Your insanity has shattered every- 
 thing." 
 
 "No, it has not. It can be mended." 
 
 "Like broken glass, it cannot be mended. The 
 crack will always show." 
 
 "Love is a mighty river," returned Applegate. 
 
 "But it must not overflow its banks," said Joan. 
 
 "Do not go away. I shall help you in whatever 
 you undertake." 
 
 "I must and shall leave you." 
 
 "You must not leave me. How can I pass my 
 life with that imperious woman? If it were only 
 another woman — you!" 
 
 "Away, evil spirit!" 
 " "You do not know Diana. She would turn away 
 in disdain from the twelve apostles in the street if 
 she should meet them." 
 
THE VOICES 135 
 
 "Mad, mad !". said Joan. And she looked at him 
 pathetically. 
 
 "Listen to the voices of love, sweet love." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I am going to your father and tell 
 him you have lost your reason, as you have." And 
 she arose from her seat. 
 
 "Joan, do not go. Sit down. Good. Let us talk 
 sensibly. Be my soul-mate, my affinity." 
 
 Joan shook with uncontrollable sobs. 
 
 "Dear Joan, you did not give me time to finish 
 what I wished to say. Be my soul-mate, my affinity 
 in thought, dear girl. It will sustain me and I shall 
 allow the contract with Diana to be carried out, then 
 desert her and marry you. Help me." 
 
 "God helps those who help themselves, but you 
 do not deserve any help. You have evil spirits in 
 and around you, which should be exorcised." 
 
 "I am a latitudinarian." 
 
 "I do not care what you are. I am leaving the 
 plant and shall also leave the unions. I am called 
 for a higher cause. I am called to devote my life 
 to my country and I must obey the summons." 
 
 "And will you leave me all alone to battle with 
 this marriage, the stormy sea of matrimony — mar- 
 riage one day. divorce the next? And when I kiss 
 her I shall think of you." 
 
 "Marriage a la mode. Your marriage with Miss 
 Ashton with such thoughts is a sacrilege. God help 
 her in her trial — your wife to be. I go," said Joan, 
 tears streaming down her face, "feeling sad for your 
 intended bride and sad for my self-respect to listen 
 to you one moment. We are as opposite as the 
 antipodes." 
 
 "We are opposite. That is another attraction. 
 
136 THE VOICES 
 
 We are positive and negative, and I love you beyond 
 reasoning." 
 
 "I am sure you have lost that faculty. It is not 
 for me to restore it." 
 
 "You only can do that." 
 
 "I shall soon be under the necessity of repairing 
 my own mental faculties. I need such aid for listen- 
 ing to you, a madman." 
 
 Joan had remained talking to him, as she thought 
 she might sooth him by being patient and urging 
 him to do what was right. 
 
 "Indeed, you must stay. You love me, girl. I 
 shall follow you wherever you go. You shall always 
 be under my protecting care. Give me your hand 
 and say you forgive me. My love is no passing 
 flame, but a steady burning, which neither fire nor 
 water can extinguish. Time will show you." 
 
 "You are raving, stark mad. Thank God, I am 
 going. Good bye." 
 
 "Give me your hand. No hand?" as Joan refused 
 to take it. "I take it and you also." And he took 
 her two hands, clasped them firmly and kissed them 
 fondly. 
 
 "Ah, ha!" exclaimed Mr. Torby, Senior, coming 
 in, as Joan paled and flushed alternately, drawing 
 back in terror at Applegate's action. "That girl — 
 that—" 
 
 "Not one word, father. I offered Miss Lynn my 
 honest love. I asked her to be my wife and I shall 
 cast off Diana, but she declined, insisting that I abide 
 by my agreement, keep my contract at the altar to 
 love and cherish Diana. I should like to hear that 
 imperious woman say, 'I obey.' " 
 
 "In our church. Episcopalian, some clergymen, I 
 
THE VOICES 137 
 
 believe, will upon request eliminate those words, 
 which is right. Women do not obey, never did 
 obey, never will obey. I must beg your pardon, 
 Miss Lynn." 
 
 "Well, Mr. Torby, I must say your son has not 
 in this instance come up to my expectations, as no 
 man of honor should repudiate a marriage after the 
 wedding invitations have been issued. A very deli- 
 cate matter, more than embarrassing." 
 
 "You see, you are a very sensible girl. Applegate 
 has been spoiled; his mother died when he was but 
 four years old. He has just had to pout his lips like 
 a girl and the wish has been granted. No doubt if 
 you had gone off and married him, tomorrow, if his 
 fancy had caught another beauty — ha, ha! — he would 
 have gone off with her — not waiting for interlocutory 
 decrees — married and committed bigamy. If he wants 
 anything, he generally gets it, you may say, always 
 gets it. I admire your stand, your dignity and integ- 
 rity of character. Most girls of your age and posi- 
 tion would be caught by the honk of a machine. It 
 is simply an excusable passion of young people for 
 the musical honk which says, 'for a ride, ride.' Re- 
 peating myself, I believe and I wish to repeat many 
 times that I admire your good sense and good judg- 
 ment. If I can render you any assistance," in a state- 
 ly way, "command me." 
 
 Joan, smiling through her tears, quickly replied: 
 "No thanks, Mr. Torby; I am able to take care of 
 myself. I am accustomed to struggles." 
 
 "Let me be the one," said Mr, Torby, genially, 
 "to make your struggles lighter," 
 
 "And I repeat, no, thanks," replied Joan. "My 
 voices have in a way revealed themselves and tell 
 
138 THE VOICES 
 
 me my mission is to bring glad tidings to serve my 
 country." 
 
 Mr. Torby hastened to say: "My good girl, al- 
 ways obey those voices — they will guide you the 
 right way." 
 
 "They will. I know they are good spirits. Good 
 morning, gentlemen." And Joan vanished. 
 
 Applegate had not looked at Joan during this in- 
 terview with his father. He held his head down, de- 
 pressed and miserable beyond words. 
 
 "One moment, father." And Applegate went into 
 his inner office, touched a button, gave a message 
 to a faithful man and in a moment was with his 
 father again. 
 
 "By heaven, Applegate, you and that girl gave 
 me a terrible fright. A most sensible girl — really 
 more sensible than I gave her credit for — to save 
 you from a mesalliance that would be a disaster, a 
 Waterloo. You were never very steady in your 
 affections. In that respect you are a chip off the 
 old block. But after my engagement to your dear 
 mother, 1 assure you, I never wandered from her 
 side. She was my idol and really the most brilliant 
 woman I ever met. If she were alive her influence 
 would be such that you would really be in love with 
 Diana today. She would do so many little things to 
 bring you together; to develop the best in you both. 
 Diana lacks a mother; her mother would have ex- 
 erted herself to put in those soft touches that make 
 women lovable, especially to men like you. Oh, Ap- 
 plegate, your mother, if she were here, would be 
 grieved at your inconsistency, your inconstancy, to 
 call it by its proper name. The more I think of your 
 narrow escape, owing to that girl's sense, the more 
 
THE VOICES 139 
 
 I tremble. Of course, I am sane and take no stock 
 in her voices and her mission, to serve or save her 
 country, or something to that eflfect. I am sorry she 
 suflfers from delusions, but I am really glad she has 
 gone. I hope it will not be necessary for her to see 
 you again about anything. Women are not to be 
 trusted. Their affections are too — well, I declare my 
 word escapes me — but they are too sympathetic and 
 sympathy with a little further development often 
 terminates in love. So keep away. Go to work. 
 That is what you must have — absorbing work." 
 
 "Oh, father, Joan is an angel — my pure girl — 
 my love." '^ 
 
 "Angels before marriage are sometiems devils 
 after marriage. God, what a calamity such a mar- 
 riage would be now. Ashton could and would ruin 
 us over night. I think it a providential escape, 
 though I do not believe God looks out for the de- 
 tails of life, but we have roads to travel — sometimes 
 we take the wrong road and sometimes the right, and 
 when we take the right it is considered providential." 
 
 "A kind of general supervision, father, but my 
 angel. Such a brave girl for a wife would enrich 
 a man, uplift a man. Oh, my love !" 
 
 "Now, Applegate, for the time, until your reason 
 is completely restored, put your love in an icebox 
 and let her remain there an angel. Business calls. 
 Something stirring all the time. Really with these 
 continual strikes, business complications arise every 
 day, like compound interest; only the workers take 
 the interest, and also the interest out of life for em- 
 ployers, and so many holidays that it seems it is 
 time for a halt." 
 
 "We have a good many holidays," said Applegate, 
 
140 THE VOICES 
 
 "but I believe anything that takes away routine is 
 healthy. I also believe if anyone works it should be 
 real, earnest work — work when you work and play 
 when you play." 
 
 "Thar is the trouble. I see much in this unioni- 
 zation that does not meet with my approval, but I 
 do not say anything because I have nothing more 
 to say. I should have to secure the consent of the 
 union first, and if they did not approve, the man I 
 discharged would be reinstated in defiance of my 
 orders." 
 
 "That is a little awkward, but if Joan had re- 
 mained here, she would have smoothed over all dif- 
 ficulties." 
 
 "You must not say that, Applegate. Picketing 
 is unlawful. What could she do? What has she 
 done? Resigned." 
 
 "We must give them all we can," added Apple- 
 gate. He thought the way of the least resistance 
 the best. 
 
 "Your way lately has not proved the greatest suc- 
 cess; and if you succumb to nerves, the climax will 
 be capped. You must show yourself above nerves. 
 Go around, see everything, hear everything, antici- 
 pating everything, make yourself agreeable and learn, 
 learn. We may be taking time by the forelock. 
 Master the situation." 
 
 "Holiday tomorrow and I am glad for a rest." 
 
 "Tomorrow 'Our Boys' come home from overseas.. 
 The only holiday I truly appreciate and enjoy. It 
 is truly a jubilee. They did good work and now 
 they belong here in our free America. God bless 
 them and God bless America. And now to work. 
 Remember my program," said Mr. Torby, Senior. 
 
THE VOICES 141 
 
 "Such a lengthy one, and I need Joan," said Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
 "You always strike on one key, which makes me 
 very nervous. No wonder you are a nervous wreck. 
 Diana, with healthy energy, will cast you off; then 
 you will be a wreck in your commercial life as well 
 as your social life; only hospital doors are open for 
 such men. And then you may take this pleasure 
 with you, that like Sampson, you pull down the 
 whole damn concern with you," said Mr. Torby, 
 Senior, in despair. 
 
 "I am disgusted with myself and should be. Give 
 me a little time and I shall pull myself together and 
 make this mill what it should be. As to Diana, 
 father, nothing would please me better than if she 
 should see far enough in the future and break the 
 engagement," added Applegate. 
 
 "I fail to see the improvement that would make 
 in the situation." 
 
 "It would clear the atmosphere," replied Apple- 
 gate. 
 
 "Yes, and marry the girl who has refused you?" 
 
 "Then I could honestly offer her my love and 
 marry her." 
 
 "Applegate, if before the clock strikes the clos- 
 ing time of the works today, you have not attended 
 to your duties, I shall call a board meeting for to- 
 morrow morning at ten o'clock and propose a new 
 vice-chairman. My voice of duty and honor and your 
 mother's voice of duty and honor and the interests 
 of the mill call and those voices must and shall be . 
 obeyed. Nothing further. I am ready to be a Roman 
 father. Remember." 
 
 And Mr. Torby left Applegate, who felt the whip 
 over him for the first time in his life. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 "Father, I have resigned from the New Construc- 
 tion Iron and Steel Plant," said Joan, pale but calm, 
 as they finished their simple evening meal. 
 
 Lynn had unfolded the evening paper, which was 
 not all hieroglyphics to him. 
 
 "Yer mean from the plant? I'm glad you have. 
 Thos' people don't understan' what their unions stan' 
 fer. Let ther wise head, the young boss, with his 
 stuck-up ways, manage it. He thinks he knows it 
 all anyway. I hear his dad don't like unions — he 
 hates 'em." 
 
 "I am not in love with them either, and I am 
 resigning," said Joan. 
 
 "Yer mean from ther plant, from ther mill?" And 
 there was a fear in Lynn's voice. 
 
 "I mean, father, from unionism, from all unions." 
 
 "I'm little de'f lately — ther mill work does that — 
 that roarin' day and night. Yer left yer place for 
 good, away from that — your boss? Just as soon as 
 the unions know it, they'll look out for yer. They'll 
 grab yer for the fine work you've been doin', indeed 
 they will, chil'. Yer had to resign; I want'd yer to. 
 Yer minded yer father in that and Gawd, yer know, 
 takes care of good children." 
 
 "Now, father, listen. My voices, direct from God, 
 tell me I must go forth and talk to the people, that 
 something must be done to save Democracy and our 
 Republic." 
 
 "Yer can't mean it, an' don' just mak' yer father 
 crazy? Yer're so anxious to show off yer 'varsity 
 learnin' that yer think yer must be movin'." 
 
THE VOICES 143 
 
 "I must go out into the world and teach them 
 what to do." 
 
 "Yer a gurl to show them!" and Lynn laughed 
 boisterously. "Pleas' tell me what will yer tell 'em 
 and what will yer do?" 
 
 "I do not know what will happen, but I shall 
 manage it. My voices will tell." 
 
 "I alwa's felt it would be bad for ther world when 
 women wor' pants when there wus war and now they 
 wanna rule the wurld. Men, ther rascally politicians, 
 are hard enuf, but women, specially, are silly bag- 
 gage, and will pull down ther world." 
 
 "No, father, not silly, but strong and determined 
 to do my duty, though the road be stormy." 
 
 "Yer're not alone silly, but all fool." 
 
 "Come with me, dear, and we two shall plod the 
 road together. I can work as we go along and eke 
 out a living," said Joan. 
 
 "I'll answer yer tomfoolery." 
 
 "Think, we shall be like the birds of the air, fly- 
 ing along, aviators," added Joan. 
 
 "Yes, yer skimmer, yer." 
 
 "Oh, father, I see it all; the crowded halls, — the 
 rapturous applause, all following the voices of a girl 
 whom God has chosen as the messenger of peace to 
 our beloved land, America. Then America will put 
 down the sword and take up the plow." Lynn looked 
 at Joan with astonishment and fear and spoke to her 
 soothingly. "Yer're a little out yer mind. Ther 
 yong boss, he has turned yer head. Com dearie. 
 Yer remember ther songs I sung to yer? Yer mother 
 with no music larnin sang, yes, lik er bird when she 
 rock'd yer to sleep she was yer nurse. No other 
 hand woul'd she let touch yer, though so sickly an 
 
144 THE VOICES 
 
 she pin'd away an' when dyin' ; I don't kno' if I told 
 yer this befor or no, but if so hear it agin. She 
 sed, 'Be father and mother to our little one. It is 
 the will of the Lord.' " And the tears ran down his 
 face, and sobs interrupted his talk. He then con- 
 tinued, "And she pres'd her weak hands ov'r yer 
 face, then ov'r yer hed and sed 'My little birdie, 
 can't fly yet, no wings, but sh'll have, Peter,' she 
 cried, half gettin up. -'Be sur Varsity teachin fer my 
 Joan,' and she fell back dead." 
 
 Joan with a convulsive sigh in her throat said, 
 "Mother's love, the truest, purest love in the world. 
 Those few words she gasped in her dying moments 
 that you tell me, father dear, are like the perfume 
 of a flower and will always linger in my memory of 
 memories." And she prayed mentally, "Mother guide 
 me, voices of God guide me." 
 
 "And now, my little un is crazy," and Lynn's emo- 
 tion again overcame him. 
 
 At this moment in came Mayme and Kelly. The 
 door was unlocked. They had rung the bell, but as 
 no answer came and they heard talking, they entered 
 without further ceremony. 
 
 "We have come to talk over the news," said 
 Mayme. 
 
 "Mayme, I told you, you were to follow the rules 
 laid down for you," said Kelly. 
 
 "Well, didn't you say you wanted to know why 
 Peter's girl left the Unions and of course everybody 
 wants to know." 
 
 "Be quiet, Mayme. You haven't the real pearls 
 yet." 
 
 "Not none yet. I'll take imitation if you buy 'em 
 tomorrow." 
 
THE VOICES 145 
 
 "Quit your chaff, you Magpie." 
 
 "I'll close my eyes so well as my lips. It's sleep 
 time anyway, and think real, real pearls while you 
 talk." 
 
 "Well, I hear your beautiful daughter, pardon, 
 Miss Joan, has left the unionized mill. Not only 
 given up her place, but the unions. I hope not. 
 I never place much reliance in that old Dame, 
 Rumor." 
 
 "Yes," added Mayme, "come back to us. Go to 
 the stenographers' row. We need you, you can get 
 work in our mill. Come away from the devil." 
 
 "Do, Miss Joan. Never mind the devil or any- 
 thing. Please your father," pleaded Kelly. 
 
 "Of course, I know the Commandment, 'Honor 
 thy father and thy mother, and thou shall have long 
 life in the land,' but there is something higher than 
 that duty." 
 
 "Your mother is dead, therefore double duty to 
 your father, please," entreated Kelly. 
 
 "Duty to my country first," cried Joan, with a 
 melody in her voice and a light flooding her face. 
 "'Tis the sweet land of liberty. It is for the Ameri- 
 canization of every man, woman and child, living un- 
 der the American flag." 
 
 "Joan, Joan, Joan," cried all three simultaneously. 
 "Father, friends, forgive me; for I feel you and 
 Mayme are now true friends, I claim you as such. 
 Remember I am no martyr, but I must not abandon 
 my post which no one else can fill, and this is simply 
 obedience to the call." 
 
 "If all were to listen to their voices,'' said Kelly. 
 
 "All do not have the voices, such as are given 
 to me. I have a mission to go out and teach what 
 
146 THE VOICES 
 
 liberty is, so that anarchy may be suppressed before 
 its steady approach creeps all over the country. My 
 duty impels me on, on, painful or not. Where or 
 how exactly I do not know yet." 
 
 "Stay with us," cried Mayme, with tears in her 
 eyes. 
 
 "She'll by Gawd," and Lynn rushed at Joan and 
 grasped her with a muscle of iron. 
 
 "Father, beware. Take your hands off," said 
 Joan, undaunted, but weak from the whole proceed- 
 ings. At this crisis Mayme promptly went into hys- 
 terics, but at a threatening look from Kelly, quickly 
 recovered herself and became quiet. Then Kelly 
 stepped forward and forced the already loosening 
 fingers of the father to relax, who fell back and sank 
 into a chair, weeping violently, his whole frame 
 shaken by his emotions. 
 
 Kelly commenced arguing to divert Lynn's mind 
 that "the unions were becoming a bit aggressive," 
 while Joan rushed forward and said in a low voice 
 filled with passionate emotion of love and devotion 
 and sinking on her knees said, "You hear what our 
 friend, Mr. Kelly, says. I say, the unions are striking 
 and striking. Then the sympathetic strikes. No 
 work and assessments, do seem arbitrary, do they 
 not? At all events they work great hardship on the 
 unemployed, especially the women and the little 
 children." 
 
 "No, I don't se," said Lynn. 
 
 "Anyway, father, forgive your child and come 
 with me, who must follow her voices. It is God's 
 mandate. The call of my^ — our country — in the hour 
 of her direst need. God's summons to save the 
 
THE VOICES 147 
 
 Republic," and she kissed his hands and his hair 
 as her hot tears fell over them. 
 
 "Lynn shrank back from her, lifted his head and 
 cried, '"No half duty, yer ow me, yer father, every- 
 thin. Com back to me, do yer hear? Do yer hear?" 
 These words he almost shrieked. 
 
 "Unfortunately," said Joan, "I am neither deaf 
 nor blind to my Country's woes. Father, pity me 
 and let me take up both duties. Like little Nell and 
 her grandfather. Pathetic and miserable as it was, 
 I should rather do anything than be separated from 
 you." 
 
 "Go back to the unions and work with 'em or 
 don't work none, just go back. My work can tak 
 care of the two of us. I eat little and can eat les. 
 Com, sweet." 
 
 "Father, it would be against my principle to go 
 back." 
 
 "What 's ther great sin?" 
 
 "Picketing is a direct violation of the law." 
 
 "Yer want to boss ther hull job. Is that yer 
 game?" 
 
 "No, it is my principle and go I must at the call 
 of my voices. It is irrevocable." 
 
 "What's that dictionery word agin?" 
 
 "That I cannot change.'' 
 
 "Then go." And Lynn rose strong and threaten- 
 ing. "Never let me see your face agin. I throw 
 yer off, tho yer face is the face of yer ded mother in 
 her young days." 
 
 "Father, for her sake forgive me. Leave the 
 unions and come with me. I can and shall earn suf- 
 ficient for both of us." 
 
 "I tell yer what's good. Go back to ther Unions. 
 
148 THE VOICES 
 
 You needn't work none. Stay hom and study. I'H 
 work my finger nails off fer yer." 
 
 "Now Miss Joan," said Kelly. "Can't yer make 
 that little concession?" 
 
 "Yes, John is right, you can easily do that. Let 
 Peter work for the unions and you stay for your- 
 self. Just grand. Man and wife don't think alike 
 on such matters any more nowadays. Women do 
 prity much as they likes these days." 
 
 Lynn said: "Now, Joan, do as yer please." 
 
 "If it were only to choose, wliich shall it be? 
 It would not take one long to decide. Anyway, 
 father, and you too, Mr. Kelly and Mayme must 
 not look upon the mill owners as a hostile class. 
 Each side engaged in the work should endeavor to 
 make the conditions beneficial for both. If labor is 
 not satisfied, provided its agreement is fulfilled, labor 
 can go on a strike. Contracts must be carried out 
 and I feel assured labor does not wish to be con- 
 sidered any more irresponsible than the mill man- 
 agers. In making hours and wage contracts, the con- 
 tracting parties must be able to carry out their con- 
 tracts, otherwise, they are of no value and for either 
 side to make good, failure in abiding by contracts 
 would produce confusion and at certain times would 
 end in disaster. You see, Mr. Kelly?" 
 
 "I do not see very clearly," replied Kelly. "My 
 mind and my vision are not exactly equal to your 
 way of thinking.'' 
 
 "It is not so clear as two and two make four 
 to me," said Mayme, seriously. 
 
 "Sometimes you know one must think over things 
 before they take proper hold of us. And, father, 
 do you see this view better now than before?" 
 
THE VOICES 149 
 
 "I don't see nothin at all. All dark what yo're 
 talkin about." 
 
 "I wish the clouds would pass away for you any 
 way, dear father." 
 
 "Yer brok with the unions, yer foolish girl." 
 
 "I must go to my work. Each one in life is born 
 with an allotted part in creation. Mine is now be- 
 ing more clearly defined every day. I listen to those 
 voices, my call, my divine mission." 
 
 "You must not be separated from the unions," 
 said Kelly. "They are like big bodies of water." 
 
 "How nicely expressed," said Joan, "but all the 
 same, its streams can be diverted and fertilize vast 
 tracts of land; beneficial to the people." 
 
 "Yer mak me mad with yer book laming — divert." 
 
 "It means to turn away, in another direction. But 
 listen, I am not opposed to the unions, you will find 
 I am their very best friend. I am talking about prin- 
 ciple and about moral obligations." 
 
 "When will yer show yerself, when will it be?" 
 
 "When my work is finished, no doubt my voices 
 will, tell me to go home, but not before I have 
 brought peace and harmony to employers and em- 
 ployees, as well as to my country. I have the Divine 
 guidance to do these things and it is such a comfort- 
 able feeling, father," said Joan. 
 
 "I wish I could see your visitors-. I am sure they 
 must have fine dresses. Pritty ones and white shoes 
 and real pearls round their neck," said Mayme." 
 
 "Do not be sacrilegious. There is something 
 higher than things." 
 
 "Well," returned Mayme, "I'd rather ^it in an 
 office and play lady an meet nice people." 
 
 "Mayme, you insult me. I was happy in my of- 
 
150 THE VOICES 
 
 fice work; considered and consider myself the equal 
 of any woman in the land. Why not? Any one with 
 a good education, high principles — the immortal part 
 of one's self — and good common sense, is equal to the 
 best in the land," said Joan emphatically. 
 
 "Now, Miss Joan, I understand these words bet- 
 ter, because they fit in with my sentiments, Mayme 
 will have to go to school," said Kelly. 
 
 "When?" said Mayme, solemnly. "My work." 
 
 "Night school, my dear." 
 
 "And where will my guy be, when I am at night 
 school?" 
 
 "Walking around with some other girl." 
 
 "You bet your bottom dollar no night school for 
 me, not if 1 know it," and she looked at Kelly long 
 and hard. 
 
 "Well, I suppose you will have to run along this 
 way. Learn from me." 
 
 "You know, John, I tell you many things in a 
 homely way. Like those bitter little pills, they don't 
 taste well, but they make people better, sometimes." 
 
 "Ther talk's fine, very fine, but don't fit yer case, 
 Joan, Joan, yer can get work at some other place 
 than the mill yer made union. Will yer try?" 
 
 "No father. Come with me and I, we shall both 
 travel with the olive branch in our hands and labor 
 and capital will be satisfied. What a happy day in 
 anticipation." 
 
 "Oh, go'n now, yer go way. Go to ther unions 
 and ter me or way, way. No more room in this horn 
 fer yer." 
 
 "Father, you are cruel to even urge me against 
 my protestations and my prayers. Father, father," 
 exclaimed Joan, as she saw him writhing and twist- 
 
THE VOICES 151 
 
 ing in rage and nervousness and who said, "Go, go, 
 befor I lose myself and strilt yer wherever I can an 
 hurt yer." 
 
 "You will see the time, please God, when you will 
 welcome me back," said Joan. 
 
 "Yer don't belong to me no more. Go, befor yer 
 make me do a crime." 
 
 And Joan cried, "Oh God, repudiated." 
 
 "Dear friends, take care of father," whispered 
 Joan to Kelly and Mayme. 
 
 Mayme spoke, "Yes, we'll do our best. Come to 
 my poor place to-night. Make it your home as long 
 as you will." 
 
 "Kelly said, "I shall stay here every night with 
 your father until he allows you to return." Joan 
 shook hands with Kelly and her looks expressed her 
 unbounded gratitude and she took Mayme by the 
 hand and the two went out, like sisters in the dark- 
 ness of the night. 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 The day after the mass meeting at the Auditorium 
 Senator Athelstane called on Diana to thank her for 
 her aid, which, he said, gave him the courage to 
 bring the meeting to what he hoped she would call 
 a happy conclusion. 
 
 Diana smiled and said: "I do not believe I was 
 altogether at my best, as one should be. I am not 
 easily ruffled, but when I see some women persist- 
 ently come forward on occasions when all should 
 have equal opportunities, I must say, if it were not 
 for your able presiding, many things might have be- 
 come unpleasant." 
 
 "I admit," replied the Senator, "there was too 
 much hackling, but those two women. Miss Lynn 
 and Mrs. Wotton, are what some might term uni- 
 versity cabbages. You not only have the charm of 
 beauty, but the wisdom of those famous women of 
 history in all ages. Think of them. There are Ze- 
 nobia, Catherine of Russia, Catherine de Medici, Ma- 
 rie Theresa, Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, and not enu- 
 merating the women of the French salon, who have 
 left their impression on French history." 
 
 "Well, it is plain to see Mrs. Wotton poses as 
 a good Samaritan when there are strikes. She looks 
 up the destitute families and aids them." 
 
 "She does, eh?" 
 
 "And I," said Diana, "like all things equal like 
 a Dutch treat." 
 
 "When you see women going around like that, 
 interfering with things outside of their province, they 
 are liable to become partisans and eventually be- 
 
THE VOICES 153 
 
 come office seekers. The Lynn girl is- a reformer 
 or something. I do not know just how to catalogue 
 her, and she is instinctively to be feared," said the 
 Senator. "Miss Ashton," continued the Senator, "you 
 are one of those intrepid women, brave of soul, who 
 could under any circumstances rise to heights." 
 
 "I am glad to hear you talk so, though of course 
 the time has passed when men say, 'Women have 
 no souls.' " 
 
 "Indeed, I think in heaven women will sit higher 
 than men; but," and the Senator hesitated. 
 
 "I hope," said Diana, "you are not going to say, 
 whenever and wherever there is a woman there is 
 Pandoras' box." 
 
 "Yes," replied the Senator, still more hesitatingly, 
 "because women are sirens and create triangles." 
 
 "I only like right angles," said Diana, rather de- 
 cidedly. 
 
 "It is best except in exceptional cases." 
 
 "Some rules are all exceptions," said Diana. 
 
 "As in everything. Some know grammar and no 
 syntax," said the Senator. 
 
 "And some folks like fencing,^ but I consider it 
 a man's game." Which remark made the Senator 
 wince. 
 
 "But if you possessed all the attributes of famous 
 queens, then what? You would have to put on armor 
 of some kind," said the Senator, "and you would at 
 once be fit to reign." 
 
 "Senator, do you think it possible that a woman 
 will ever be President of these United States of 
 America?" said Diana, looking at him intently. 
 
 "Stranger things than that have happened, but I 
 wish to tell you the word said, big in its import. 
 
154 THE VOICES 
 
 That was years ago, when your question was put, and 
 this was the answer from a woman, 'Chaos.' " 
 
 "Oh !" in a weak tone from Diana. 
 
 "Now, I shall give you an example to show you 
 how woman has developed in late years. This wom- 
 an said, 'If in the course of time a woman, an ex- 
 ceptional woman to be sure, were elected to fill the 
 highest gift in the hands of this nation, the excep- 
 tional woman would no doubt fill the position with 
 as much digntiy as some of the illustrious rulers of 
 the old world. Some might assert that during her 
 administration there would be more of mercy than 
 justice, that her prejudices would sway her, that 
 she would be arbitrary and opinionated and more 
 susceptible to outside influence than stern man, but 
 I believe she would be controlled by good sense and 
 reason as most women are. Though the nation might 
 escape disaster under her rule, might even be placed 
 on the high road to prosperity and glory, yet I say 
 with Dr. Lord, 'Let woman become great as a wom- 
 an, not as a man; great in intellect as well as soul, 
 which best develops the lofty ideal of womanhood.' " 
 
 "What! Is that your opinion?" said Diana, in a 
 slightly raised tone. 
 
 "Not exactly. I might have coincided with Dr. 
 Lord in my boyhood days. I just wish to show you 
 how completely and absolutely things have changed. 
 And you know, Miss Ashton, my opinion of your 
 qualifications for anything you would like to ob- 
 tain — my unbounded admiration for your mental abil- 
 ity, — and there is really a psychic wave going over 
 the world today and there is no telling but what 
 woman may sail on any ship that man can." 
 
THE VOICES 155 
 
 "What a wonderfully tenacious memory you do 
 have," said Diana. 
 
 "At that time, man did not consider woman as 
 being capable, qualified, efficient, or with the mus- 
 cular power, the constitution, the temperament that 
 the war has developed in her. She has been seen 
 and tried in all kinds of work. Woman, therefore, 
 was placed on a pedestal and worshiped as a star, 
 radiant and serene. She was the weaker vessel, to 
 be petted, caressed and protected in every way. Man 
 fought duels for her. It was the chivalry of the 
 South for woman that brought dueling into prac- 
 tice. Man lost caste if he did not send a challenge 
 in defense of woman's honor. I am afraid I like 
 woman worshiped." 
 
 "Is that so?" 
 
 "Which do you prefer. Miss Ashton?" 
 
 "A combination," said Diana. 
 
 "Good; you certainly possess it." 
 
 "I really think politics a most interesting game." 
 
 "Yes, and often women have used their power 
 most wickedly," said the Senator. 
 
 "Can woman be wicked?" asked Diana. 
 
 "Can she?- Man does not stand beside her when 
 she falls. She stands higher than man; consequently 
 her fall is greater. You know Milton's opinion. 
 Mark Anthony lost a world for Cleopatra. Who laid 
 Troy in ashes? Woman, woman, answers for many 
 crimes." 
 
 "Yes, and man?" asked Diana. 
 
 "I plead guilty to the crimes of man," repHed the 
 Senator. 
 
 "You throw yourself on the mercy of the court?" 
 asked Diana. 
 
156 THE VOICES 
 
 "Merciful judge, believe me, when a man swears 
 to thee he will love thee until the sun grows cold, 
 believe him not. He will deceive thee, unless thou 
 wilt hurry him to the county clerk's office and there 
 obtain a license and be duly wed," said Senator Ath- 
 elstane. 
 
 "That far exceeds in strength of love a Lochinvar." 
 
 "I agree with you. Miss Ashton. There is a great 
 deal of spice in the world today." 
 
 "It seems to me, Senator, the sad result of the 
 war is that so many things that the world- — " 
 
 "Beg pardon for interrupting," said the Senator. 
 "Say majority of the world. There are also minor- 
 ities, I know; let us say majority in this instance." 
 
 "Well, then, continued Diana, "so many sacred 
 things have been torn down without compunction 
 and the world is not bettered by this disregard of 
 everything." 
 
 "I am coming to my first conclusion — woman on 
 a pedestal, and you as a combination. Oh, what a 
 glorious partner you would make! Dear me! Par- 
 don me for trespassing so long upon your valuable 
 time. I must be going. I trust you will .give me 
 the privilege of calling again very soon and continue 
 this talk on politics. In politics one can be a cham- 
 eleon and change according to the barometer." 
 
 "How agreeable! One could annihilate one's ene- 
 mies that way." 
 
 "But sometimes you might require your enemies 
 to be friends or they might destroy you. In politics 
 you will learn that 'plain dealing is a jewel and he 
 that useth it shall become a beggar.' " 
 
 "Well, Senator, I have ambition," said Diana. 
 
 "No one has said anything more truly, that on 
 
THE VOICES 157 
 
 these wings, with some other wings, wings of love — 
 I remember the wings, do not let them be clipped," 
 said the Senator, impressively. 
 
 "Pegasus," said Diana, demurely. "I dislike in- 
 activity." 
 
 "With your great wealth, your thirst for great- 
 ness, you must be a success in life. If not, do more. 
 Miss Ashton — deserve it." 
 
 "I should like to sink into a soft captivity and 
 do nothing." 
 
 "You, you!" 
 
 "No, I want to soar," said Diana, looking as if 
 it might not be such a difficult task as some might 
 imagine, and today she was in a mood that made 
 her feel capable of great deeds, and though she did 
 not know it, it was her soul seeking immortality. 
 
 Without referring to Diana's approaching nuptials, 
 the Senator left the mansion with rapid strides and 
 a serious mien. 
 
CHAPTER XV. 
 
 Diana's wedding day was in the latter part of 
 November, a regular summer's day. It was to be a 
 one o'clock wedding. The ceremony was to be per- 
 formed in the great ballroom, which was so large and 
 regal that all other ballrooms in the city were dwarfed 
 by comparison. The ballroom connected with open 
 doors with the garden, around which were twined 
 Banksiae and Liberty roses. A lane of Papa Gontier 
 roses led up to the altar. The altar, which was 
 banked with roses, was at the end of the ballroom. 
 The wall and ceiling of this magnificent room were 
 covered with pale blue and pink silk, paneled with 
 narrow gold beading and gorgeous with festoons of 
 Papa Gontier roses. These decorations were height- 
 ened with mirrors closely set together, decked with 
 rose pink silk ribbons, artificial flowers and American 
 flags. The dining room was decorated in the same 
 gorgeous manner and the beautiful women in their 
 elegant gowns reflected in the endless chain of 
 mirrors made a scene of dazzling beauty long to 
 be remembered. Diana copied these decorations from 
 the wonderful fete reception given to Sir William 
 Howe before his departure for England in May, 1778. 
 
 Yes, the sun was shining on Diana's wedding day 
 and held in its -warm embrace hill and dale. The 
 imperious beauty sat in her magnificent room in her 
 splendid robes of white velvet and satin; all em- 
 broidered in seed pearls. She had a rope of pearls 
 with a black pearl in the center around her neck 
 that descended below her waist. Her fan of white 
 ostrich feathers was sprinkled with diamonds. She 
 
THE VOICES 159 
 
 carried a streamer bouquet of white orchids with a 
 clasp of diamonds. The complete wedding costume 
 was worth a king's ranson. 
 
 Diana passed through a dozen hands before she 
 was turned over to be surveyed by her charming 
 bridesmaids, chosen from California's aristocracy. 
 They seemed surprised not only at her surpassing 
 beauty, but at her dignity and composure. The very 
 atmosphere in that mansion indicated that it was 
 managed by capable hands qualified to fit any high 
 position. Diana gloried in her surroundings. 
 
 "Ah, Diana, everything smiles on you today and 
 you never looked so beautiful," said one of the beau- 
 ties circling around her, arresting a falling leaf and 
 lingering over the perfume that enveloped her. 
 "Ah, love must be a great thing, so called some- 
 thing divine, for it has transformed you. You are 
 majestic. You seem to be apart from us. You look 
 so lofty, so elegant, so brilliant, so gracious, yet so 
 graceful. How you and Mr. Torby must love to be 
 so happy! What a felicitous future!" 
 
 Diana said, with a pang at her heart: "How 
 should one be but happy on her wedding day?" 
 
 "And," said another bridesmaid — they were all 
 rosebuds — "have you no fear to put your happiness 
 in the hands of another person? Of course, he adores 
 you and only lives to bask in the light of your eyes 
 and the sunshine of your presence. But for you who 
 have all your wants anticipated to follow another at 
 beck and call — " 
 
 "Follow!" said Diana, lifting her eyebrows. 
 
 "Obey is not such a delightful sensation as love. 
 You, Diana, to obey!" 
 
 "I do not know what that is. Obey is not one 
 
160 THE VOICES 
 
 of my commandments. I am born to rule," said 
 Diana, proudly. 
 
 The young girl replied, rather defiantly: "I be- 
 lieve you are. As one thinks, so one is. And you 
 will have power. Mr. Torby is in love and he will 
 do anything and everything to have that love re- 
 turned." 
 
 "Yes, yes, I shall have power, power," said Diana, 
 rather fiercely. 
 
 "If Mr. Torby knew how you loved him," con- 
 tinued the young lady, treading on dangerous ground, 
 "he would not need to exert himself to catch the 
 train. He would know the seat would be awaiting 
 him." 
 
 "You reverse yourself too often," replied Diana, 
 in a cold tone. The young lady discreetly retired to 
 the background and remained there. 
 
 "How lovely you look, Diana! My friend has in 
 a way exhausted the medium of my vocabulary by 
 indulging in all the adjectives and superlatives and 
 left me poor indeed to convey my expressions of your 
 beauty and magnificence," said another. 
 
 "Please," said Diana, laughingly, "do not indulge 
 in such extravagant expressions. Of course, this in- 
 teresting occasion to me is most interesting. The 
 prospect of this new journey on life's way must be 
 calm and serene. Applegate and I shall be a regular 
 Darby and Joan. Nothing can shake the rock upon 
 which our house will be built. The Grundy ladies 
 need not hold a meeting. I — " 
 
 A maid entered and brought in a note and said: 
 "The butler told me to inform you that a messenger 
 brought it." 
 
 Diana took the note, opened it, and glanced over 
 
THE VOICES 161 
 
 it; then spoke very composedly: "We may have 
 to continue our conversation, as Mr. Torby will be 
 five minutes late — an accident." 
 
 "Oh, how terrible," shrieked all the bridesmaids 
 in chorus. "How awful! Is he badly hurt? Will 
 he be mutilated for life? The gods mete out pain 
 for too much happiness." 
 
 "Girls, please be quiet. I am not accustomed to 
 hysterics." 
 
 "The accident was not so terrible after all?" the 
 pity out of their voices, justifying Rochefoucauld that 
 man feels a certain sort of satisfaction when another 
 has sorrow and he is fortunate enough to escape it. 
 
 "Will you permit me to tell you, young ladies, that 
 it was only an accident to his car — a slight collision. 
 The chauffeur was no doubt excited." And Diana 
 laughed immoderately. "Mr. Torby claims indulgence 
 for five minutes' delay. He will be here in five 
 minutes and he will fly on the wings of love." 
 
 "I should think he would," one ventured to say. 
 
 "Even in this day one cannot do more than fly," 
 said another. 
 
 "And he will fly, I am sure, and mortal man can 
 do no more," said Diana. 
 
 Then Mr. Ashton sent in a request to see hj^ 
 "dear daughter." As he entered he said, as he looked 
 around smilingly: "I am almost afraid to intrude 
 on this bevy of beauties." 
 
 After a little bantering, all withdrew to afford 
 father and daughter an opportunity for private con- 
 versation. 
 
 "Read, father," said Diana, and she handed him 
 Applegate's note. 
 
 "Oh, well," said Mr. Ashton, after reading the 
 
163 THE VOICES 
 
 contents of the message, "accidents are unavoidable. 
 Thank heaven, nothing serious. Five minutes are 
 nothing." 
 
 "How dare he be late!" returned Diana, with a 
 hectic spot on her cheeks, which peeped out from 
 under the rouge. "Anyway, I wish he were a Sen- 
 ator or had some kind of a title, you know — some one 
 for whom it would be worth while to wait. I am 
 born to lule." 
 
 "Do not become obsessed with the idea like that 
 girl in the mill. She is trying to create a sensation 
 to get publicity. There is some excuse for her; there 
 is none for you." 
 
 "Father!" exclaimed Diana, in an angry tone. 
 
 "And another thing, dear — such thoughts are dan- 
 gerous in so young a girl. People do not pay so 
 much deference to titles any more. Be satisfied with 
 a good, plain American, endowed with good, com- 
 mon sense — God's noblest creation. And Americans 
 make the best husbands, anyway." 
 
 "Father," answered Diana, "you do not mean all 
 you say. And Applegate Torby is such a self-satis- 
 fied creature ! All he wants is to run the plant and 
 have no strikes." 
 
 ^ "Ambition and work enough for one man today, 
 I assure you. You have ambition enough for two, 
 Diana. And when you are married, all you will have 
 to do is to guide him the way you wish him to go, 
 and if he loves you, which I certainly believe he does, 
 your influence will have the desired effect. That is 
 ruling and reigning, my dear girl." 
 
 "Father, Applegate appeared under a very nerv- 
 ous strain — " 
 
 Diana was interrupted by a maid bringing in an- 
 
THE VOICES 163 
 
 other message. No man dared go further than the 
 sacred precincts of the door. 
 
 "This message is not for me." 
 
 "It is mine," said Mr. Ashton, as he took it. Di- 
 ana glanced at it over her father's shoulder and read 
 of another delay of five minutes. " 'The accident is so 
 trying — some detention for information to the police. 
 A thousand pardons to Diana.' " 
 
 Diana stamped her foot in rage. "Father, I say — " 
 
 "Diana, for heaven's sake, control yourself — you 
 are not alone. Whisper your thoughts. I am sure 
 he will come," said Mr. Ashton. 
 
 "Come? Of course he will come when he is 
 ready." 
 
 "But, child, you know chauffeurs are not magi- 
 cians." 
 
 "Mr. Applegate Torby, I know, cannot afford to 
 secure another limousine or hail a taxi!" replied 
 Diana, sarcastically, but in a low voice. She already 
 had herself under control. 
 
 "Of course, what you say is all true, but you for- 
 get sometimes the police insist upon details and are 
 not as interested as Applegate and we are in the 
 marriage." 
 
 "I should hope not," answered Diana, hotly. "It 
 does not take a lawyer to make good excuses." 
 
 "Now, Diana, child, be reasonable. There are 
 times — " 
 
 "Yes, father, I know all in advance, self- control. 
 I am perfectly cool. You see, I am whispering, but 
 I will not be provoked too far. I — " 
 
 Another maid managed to come in with another 
 message and Diana opened it with lightning rapidity 
 as soon as the maid turned to leave the room, and 
 
164 THE VOICES 
 
 read it. It said: "Senator Athelstane kindly inti- 
 mates that busybodies are whispering about the tar- 
 diness of the bridegroom, Applegate Torby. I dare 
 you to manage to evade your bridesmaids, conceal 
 your wedding gown with a large cloak, twist a black 
 veil or some other kind of a woman's paraphernalia 
 around your head in your own inimitable way, and 
 last, but not least, escape the eagle eye of your father 
 and meet me at the side entrance. My limousine will 
 be waiting and we shall ride to the county clerk's 
 office, secure a license and then return and meet your 
 father at the foot of the grand staircase. Then we 
 shall walk boldly up the flower-railed aisle to the 
 altar, have the license to sanction the marriage and 
 the minister must, shall and will perform the cere- 
 mony before your slow-paced lover comes in. What 
 a sweet revenge for you — for me, I mean — to take 
 from him the rose I want of all the gardens of roses 
 in the world! What a delightful lark! What a sen- 
 sation ! A nine days' wonder even in these exciting 
 times ! It touches me, who am not so easily aroused. 
 This event will go to the limit and one better. To 
 claim you as my wedded wife, the joy of my life. 
 Thrust out that man, who allows himself to be led, 
 directed, influenced, guided by that girl with the 
 voices. Yours with the deepest respect, admiration 
 and love, Algernon Athelstane." 
 
 "Well, Diana, the message? May I not also read 
 it? Why all this writing in haste and secrecy on 
 your wedding day? Your behavior is abominable." 
 
 "On this day I rule. I believe in home rule. 
 Where is Applegate Torby?" 
 
 "Applegate will be here as soon as he can. Acci- 
 dents will occur in the best regulated families." 
 
THE VOICES 165 
 
 Here another message came, signed by the police- 
 man of the beat, saying that Mr. Applegate Torby 
 would be detained another five minutes, which made 
 Diana furious and even made Ashton remark: "A 
 series of unprecedented delays, surely!" 
 
 "Father, I feel none too well. Leave me a little 
 while to regain my composure. I shall meet you 
 at the foot of the grand staircase and I trust all will 
 be well. Shall give you the other message after- 
 wards." Her request admitted of no argument. Her 
 father withdrew. 
 
 Diana with consummate tact evaded everyone and 
 with the aid of her faithful personal maid, in a few 
 moments was in the arms of the Senator in his limou- 
 sine and in a few moments more in the county clerk's 
 office, and in less than half an hour she was on the 
 arm of her father, walking down the rose lane to the 
 altar, to the consternation of her father as well as 
 of her friends. 
 
 The Bishop said: "I was to marry Mr. Applegate 
 Torby and Miss Diana Ashton." 
 
 Mr. Ashton said: "To be sure. We shall wait 
 for Mr. Torby." 
 
 Mr. Seely, the best man, said: "Here is the li- 
 cense permitting Senator Algernon Athelstane to 
 marry Miss Diana Ashton." 
 
 Diana told the Bishop in a haughty way: "Pro- 
 ceed, proceed. The guests have been waiting long 
 enough for breakfast. There is only a difference in 
 the groom — that is all — a matter of no importance!" 
 
 The Bishop looked at Mr. Ashton and Mr. Ashton 
 looked at Diana and saw no relaxation in her face. 
 He knew his daughter's temperament so well that he 
 could only fall in line with the daring proposition. 
 
166 THE VOICES 
 
 So when she whispered, "If you love me, father, 
 make haste with the wedding, for I must be married 
 before Applegate appears. I would not disappoint 
 Athelstane for all the diamond mines of Africa." 
 
 Mr. Torby, Senior, naturally felt himself in_ a 
 most embarrassing position. Too much unbending 
 for him to step in, and biting his lips, murmured: 
 "What a delicioU3 morsel for the newspapers!" And 
 hastened to slip away to prevent Applegate from the 
 mortification of a belated appearance and finding his 
 expected bride married to another man. 
 
 The reporters were given accounts in such a way 
 that they were led to believe it was in a degree, at 
 the last moment, a mutual agreement. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The following morning Mr. Torby, Senior, found 
 Applegate looking the very picture of despair. Ap- 
 plegate saw nothing but the slough ahead of him. 
 He had left hope behind — Dante's Inferno arose be- 
 fore him. 
 
 "Father, what is the result of your machinations 
 for me to marry position, power, beauty and a com- 
 bination of everything to promote financial and so- 
 cial success — a paragon of all moral excellence to 
 be found in Ashton's peerless daughter?" 
 
 "Come now, Applegate — all is not lost." 
 
 "Father, I could cry like Caesar when in a fever — 
 I had a fever — I was delirious. If I were in posses- 
 sion of my senses I never would have consented to 
 a marriage to which every fiber of my being resented, 
 revolted, rebelled." And he held down his head in 
 shame. 
 
 "Come now, boy, be brave. A man need not be 
 in battle to be brave as a lion. Lift your head." 
 
 "I cannot." 
 
 "You must remember, Applegate, when you were 
 first engaged to Diana, you offered no great objec- 
 tion, and had you acted in the right spirit you would 
 have been married to her long ago. Yes, the mar- 
 riage should have been consummated a few months 
 after the engagement. Then you would have been 
 a happy Benedict today instead of creating the sen- 
 sational ending of yesterday." 
 
 "Now, I--" 
 
 "Please let me have the floor. I am inclined to 
 think very strongly that it was to a large extent 
 
168 THE VOICES 
 
 your fault that you did not arrive on time, as an 
 eager bridegroom should. Those accidents might 
 have been repaired without your personal attention. 
 Such trivial accidents to keep you if you were not 
 so—" 
 
 "Not wishing to come, father." 
 "I know that, but to stay away, son." 
 "Had I not good reason? My wounded pride!" 
 "Come, now," returned Mr. Torby, Senior, sooth- 
 ingly. "You really attach too much importance to 
 the miserable fiasco." 
 
 "Too much? Impossible." 
 
 "Now, Applegate, when a high-spirited girl like 
 Diana, with all surrounding associations, with a dras- 
 tic remedy at hand, took advantage of your procras- 
 tination, preceded by demonstrations that Barkis was 
 not so willing to be dragged to the marriage altar 
 with a halter. Reflect well and you will find, had 
 you carried out your part faithfully, she would have 
 carried out her's. Any girl under the same circum- 
 stances v/ith such an opportunity would have done 
 likewise. Do you not think so?" 
 "It would depend upon the girl." 
 "To be sure, but temperament. At all events the 
 papers do not write sensational articles about it, I 
 am glad to say, and fortunately that leaves the public 
 at large to lose interest in it and take up something 
 new. Some comfort!" 
 
 "To tell you the truth," and Applegate lifted his 
 drawn face to his father, "I had an innate hope 
 against hope that something plausible, possible, prov- 
 idential, would happen to prevent the marriage. I 
 looked to heaven, I looked to earth, and divined noth- 
 ing that could or would obstruct the marriage, ex- 
 
THE VOICES 169 
 
 cepting using my own will and helping myself. Joan, 
 to the last moment I saw her, urged me to do the 
 right thing and marry Diana. I almost expected to 
 see Joan on her famous charger with her armor and 
 helmet of steel, rush forward, lift me on the horse 
 and ride away with me.'' 
 
 "A fantasy, my foolish boy. Your indecision has 
 ruined you. This is no time, though, for crying over 
 spilt milk or for recriminations. Whatever action is 
 to be taken must be taken quickly." 
 
 "Father, father, an inspiration — I must marry." 
 
 "Not a bad idea." 
 
 "I am glad you agree with me." 
 
 "But who is to be the fortunate damsel, who is 
 to be my daughter-in-law?" asked Mr. Torby, Senior. 
 
 "I must marry Joan." 
 
 "Oh, horrors! From Scylla to Charybdis!" And 
 the face of Mr. Torby, Senior, turned gray. 
 
 "I am afraid she will not marry me." 
 
 "Have no such fear. A bed of roses for her Her 
 visions will tell her she needs you." 
 
 "Oh, if they only would !" 
 
 "Come to think of it, she has gone." And Mr. 
 Torby, Senior, gave a sigh of relief. "So think of 
 another maiden fair." 
 
 "I can trace Joan. I have not allowed her to go 
 out into the world without some one following her 
 to make things comfortable and easy for her on the 
 way. Since she resigned from the unions, her big- 
 oted father has repudiated her. My life is bound up 
 in her." 
 
 "You are indeed lost — obsessed by a girl who is 
 herself obsessed. What will be your end with her?" 
 
170 THE VOICES 
 
 "For better or for worse, I must share my fate 
 with her." 
 
 "Not necessarily. You make your fate by run- 
 ning after it. You can, to a degree, spin out the 
 thread of life according to your own earnest desires. 
 As you read Erostratus, wishing to be immortal, set 
 fire to the temple of Diana in Ephesus on the day 
 Alexander the Great was born. To defeat his vain 
 glory, his name was forbidden to be mentioned; but 
 still everyone knows of the episode today. Fate 
 laughs at all probabilities. So I say, take fate in 
 your own hands and be up and doing." And Mr. 
 Torby's voice rang out clear and strong. 
 
 "And I shall." And Applegate's voice was weak 
 but firm. "I must marry the girl with the voices and 
 visions. Only by doing what I think the right thing 
 can I be of any use to myself or to the community," 
 said Applegate. 
 
 With an aching heart, Mr. Torby, Senior, replied : 
 "So be it. You are everything to me and all I have 
 is at your command. Fate has conquered me, if 
 not you." 
 
 Applegate kissed his father's hand and added: 
 "I feel like Hercules now and can fight along all 
 lines and overcome all struggles, though I know the 
 world will call me a fool." 
 
 "Remember, Ashton is your enemy now." 
 
 "Do not dampen my courage. I am beset with 
 enemies, but I am forewarned, so I shall be fore- 
 armed." 
 
 An hour later Mr. Ashton came into the office of 
 Mr. Torby, Senior. 
 
 "Well, well, Mr. Torby, what about Mr. Applegate 
 Torby? Did he wish to insult my beautiful, capri- 
 
THE VOICES 171 
 
 cious daughter?" said Ashton, with inward glee, 
 raising his hands, because the Senator had so neatly 
 turned the tables upon his intended son-in-law. 
 
 "Come, now, Mr. Ashton. I suppose you know 
 your daughter's ambitious views precipitated the Sen- 
 ator's mad desire to possess and wed her? Nolens 
 volens! Applegate lingered a little, mused a little 
 on the way, directed his chauffeur not to go too fast 
 and unintentionally aroused the man's sympathy and 
 the accidents occurred. Trivial ones — no one injured, 
 you see. Applegate is a bit uncontrollable like your 
 daughter Diana is — like all American children. A 
 little too much so, but you know there is a feeling 
 of too much independence these days. Too little re- 
 straint, too much sentiment, but we fall in line," said 
 Mr. Torby, half musingly. 
 
 "Yes, that expresses it — we fall in line," said Mr. 
 Ashton. "Possibly too much so for our own good. 
 Evolution, evolution, is what I want. Rome was 
 not built in a day." 
 
 "And who does not desire evolution?" replied Mr. 
 Torbyi Senior. "I am sure every good American in 
 our Republic." 
 
 "Truly, a rational sentiment — evolution, not revo- 
 lution. If employees as well as employers were com- 
 pelled to abide by contracts as specified in agree- 
 ments, then there would be peace and plenty in the 
 land, for our's is the best government in the world. 
 And now, where is Applegate? Let him speak for 
 himself," said Ashton. 
 
 "I wish I knew. On a little hunt for himself, I 
 suppose." 
 
 "On a hunt?" asked Ashton, a little obtusely. 
 
 "On a hunt for the game of love." 
 
172 THE VOICES 
 
 "Oho, honors are easy!" 
 
 "I suppose you will continue to support the plant?" 
 
 "Yes. Large orders are simply pouring in, and if 
 you can make Applegate attend to business, let him 
 go ahead. He has good, practical business ideas, 
 though I was opposed to unionism, and I have not 
 changed my mind. But as we are in it now, we must 
 do the best we can anyway for the present. Apple- 
 gate, notwithstanding our different opinions, is ex- 
 tremely well versed in reconstruction, production and 
 kindred financial problems." 
 
 "Your judgment is good, Ashton," said Torby. 
 
 "Well, then, I hope all will see it in the same 
 light. The Government owes an enormous amount 
 of money and I hope the banks of this country will 
 see the necessity of taking a careful survey of the 
 situation. Not too much inflation. I do not mean 
 hoarding resources, but restriction so the country 
 may gradually adjust itself to normal conditions. 
 With liberty of action, but not license — a strict ad- 
 herence to the laws, for law and order must be main- 
 tained. The Constitution of the United States gives 
 liberty and protection to all — native-born and adopted 
 citizens, to all who are Americans in spirit as well 
 as in action, ready to fight and die for America. And 
 there must be honor and justice in commercial and 
 financial circles," said Ashton. 
 
 "In fact, in all circles," replied Torby. "And as 
 you, Ashton, are one of the great bankers of this 
 country and the director in many large corporations, 
 the people look to you to keep things normal and 
 bring harmony between capital and labor, the great 
 question of the day. And really, if both sides would 
 look a little more closely into things and comply 
 
THE VOICES 173 
 
 strictly with the law, all these disagreeable things 
 would not occur, resulting in greater profit to both 
 parties." 
 
 "When Applegate returns, tell him that we three 
 shall have first a little private talk, and then a Di- 
 rectors' meeting, and arrange matters." And Harry 
 Ashton left with a self-satisfied expression, as Mr. 
 forby said: "Agreed." 
 
 When Applegate came in, looking gloomy and 
 dejected, his father said : "Why, boy, I thought you 
 were out of the city?" 
 
 "I looked around the works a little and thought 
 it better to have a few words with you before I left 
 to see and hear Joan." 
 
 "I did not think you would be disillusioned today 
 or tomorrow, but time will work wonders." 
 
 "So it does, father; but it brings roses too." 
 
 "I am glad, though, that you have come back, if 
 only for a moment, because Mr. Ashton wishes to 
 speak to us previous to the Board meeting tomor- 
 row morning. He seems to be well disposed towards 
 you and without question considers a United States 
 Senator's wife has more distinction, especially as 
 Diana and he are possessed of what is termed in 
 general parlance, filthy lucre." 
 
 "You can see, then, how unfitted I am and would 
 be to make such a person happy — she is so heavily 
 endowed by nature." 
 
 "Yes, she has beauty, does not lack brains and 
 energy, she has position and colossal wealth, and the 
 Senator confers the title." 
 
 "She likes addition, evidently," added Applegate. 
 
 "We cannot get away from it," said Torby, Sen- 
 
174 THE VOICES 
 
 ior, "that she has many qualifications to make an 
 ambitious man as well as herself happy." 
 
 "I am satisfied for Diana to be happy — in fact, I 
 hope it. Then my action, you will think, father, has 
 been acceptable to God and therefore acceptable to 
 you." 
 
 "Now, Applegate, there is no necessity to take 
 matters that way. I put things in this way to Ash- 
 ton that you felt that her ambitions and your ambi- 
 tions were entirely different and you feared you 
 would clash." 
 
 "Dear father, do not think I lack appreciation, 
 but my mind — " 
 
 "A rather sensitive one," interrupted Torby Senior. 
 
 "I admit, but my mind seems unable to grasp 
 things as it should." 
 
 "Everything will come back all right if you only 
 make the effort, my boy." 
 
 "I shall try not to fail in that direction." 
 
 "You have now made the first step. You will 
 soon learn to walk alone." And Mr. Torby, Senior, 
 continued: "I do not know if you have observed it, 
 but it seems, to me as if things are not moving as 
 smoothly as they were a few days ago." 
 
 "I also. I do not know." 
 
 "Nothing on the surface, but a little agitation on 
 the water, a sort of undercurrent." 
 
 "It is possible, though I have noticed nothing." 
 
 "True, you have not." 
 
 "Do not allude to that all the time," returned Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
 "You are too sensitive altogether. Of course, it 
 means nothing, as we are unionized — had a strike; 
 
THE VOICES 175 
 
 after that, paid increased wages — so I am needlessly 
 alarmed." 
 
 "I think you are, but I cannot fix my mind on 
 anything until I see Joan this evening." 
 
 "Is it possible you can no longer act for your- 
 self?" said Torby, Senior, in a sad voice. 
 
 "I was preparing for that detestable wedding." 
 
 "Well, yesterday is not today." 
 
 "That wedding nearly wrecked me," said Apple- 
 gate in a mournful voice. 
 
 Mr. Torby, Senior, did not tell his son how he 
 was nearly ruining his father, but when he saw de- 
 spair written in every line of Applegate's face his 
 only desire was to devise some scheme that would 
 absorb his mind to the exclusion of all other topics. 
 
 "Applegate, I think as Mr. Ashton has so much 
 faith in j-ou and as I see little waves of discontent 
 springinjj up, supposing we bring up in the Board 
 of Directors tomorrow morning those wonderful plans 
 of improvement which you and Miss Lynn were talk- 
 ing over for the betterment of conditions? And 
 think of the Americanization, the lectures, the music, 
 everything — all the comforts of a home. The Amer- 
 icanization in its full meaning must be taught every- 
 where. Then you will be on the pinnacle, looking 
 down and stretching out your hands to draw others 
 up. What a vista! It is right ahead. Applegate, 
 wake up." 
 
 "Father, I do not see as you do." 
 
 "You must see something, hear something, do 
 something. I believe I told you once that you re- 
 quire the strongest medicine; for desperate cases re- 
 quire desperate remedies." 
 
 "I told you I would try, but I cannot see, hear 
 
176 THE VOICES 
 
 or feel until I see Joan. In a few moments I must 
 go — the time is limited." 
 
 "You have ample time — any time in the afternoon 
 will do for you." 
 
 "No, I am going now," returned Applegate ex- 
 citedly. 
 
 "You must answer if I hold you in your seat." 
 
 "Father!" 
 
 "Son, do you not see you are unmanly, unfilial? 
 Oh, I do not wish to abuse you in word or deed, but 
 I, your father, have nerves too. Do not keep me 
 on the rack," pleaded Torby, Senior. 
 
 "I shall try, father. I must be a man. What has 
 taken possession of me that berefts me not of rea- 
 son, but of the power of acting as I know I should?" 
 
 "Applegate, my son, be calm." 
 
 "Why did God make man subject to this torment?" 
 
 "Do not, dear boy, doubt the wisdom of God. 
 Many things in the web of life which seem evil prove 
 in the end a tissue of good." 
 
 "Death is nothing — a haven of rest, with immor- 
 tality in sight. Come, death, immortality, I wel- 
 come thee." 
 
 "Come now; do not fall back." 
 
 "I shall not. Let us go now, father." 
 
 "All right, go, but let me see you as soon as you 
 return home — come to me. God's blessing and my 
 hope rest on you, my son." And the father placed his 
 hand reverently on the bowed head of Applegate 
 and speedily left the office. Applegate then crossed 
 the Bay to see his beloved Joan. 
 
CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Joan, walking along in the afternoon of the fol- 
 lowing day in a little town across the Bay, taking in 
 the surroundings and looking at the exterior of the 
 hall where she was scheduled to speak, was startled 
 by a brisk walk, back of her. 
 
 "Why, Joan dear, here I am to see you. I snatch- 
 ed the time off at noon in the midst of the work of 
 that most unbearable unionized plant to see you. I 
 could not remain away an instant longer if the heav- 
 ens were aflame," said Applegate Torby. 
 
 "How dare you come here, you faithless creature, 
 and last night — and — and so," sobbed Joan. 
 
 "Well, what else, darling?" 
 
 "I feel like having you arrested," cried Joan. 
 
 "You would not be so cruel, I am sure, dear Joan. 
 I only came to see if you were comfortable?" 
 
 "You wicked man." 
 
 "Heart's desire, to feel assured if you had a nice 
 place for your meeting, etc., etc.," added Applegate 
 tenderly. 
 
 "Indeed, Mr. Torby, some one has been kind 
 enough to anticipate my wants. The people are anx- 
 ious to hear all about the stirring events of the 
 times." 
 
 "Oh!" exclaimed Applegate. 
 
 "Yes, the people here are so kind, but I am anx- 
 ious to know the individual who was so thoughtful 
 so I could thank him personally. How did you know 
 I was here and going to speak tonight?" 
 
 "Some little bird whispered it," replied Applegate. 
 
 "I should think you or any other respectable man 
 
178 THE VOICES 
 
 would be so absorbed in your own future with your 
 bride that you would not hear the twitterings of 
 birds," said Joan, indignantly. 
 
 "Well, then, no bird talk. No elixir of life could 
 transform me into a bird very well. Now, I wish to 
 answer your question. This morning a man came 
 to the mill who said he heard somehow that you 
 were going to speak here today, and I assure you 
 it was not long before I was on your trail." 
 
 "Now, Mr. Torby, let me tell you once for all, I 
 do not appreciate your thoughtfulness or your actions 
 or your kind attentions. I am definite, for I wish 
 you to understand definitely, that if you have a spark 
 of manhood left, you will go back to your wife. Do 
 not let the world have all kinds of reports floating 
 about you and about me," said Joan, with panting 
 breath. "And you are — " 
 
 "Let me explain." 
 
 "No, no. You have wounded me in my tendefest 
 spot, my reputation." Joan was so full of her own 
 work that she had not read a paper that day. 
 
 "Joan, Joan, my life, my hope beyond the grave, 
 my very salvation !" 
 
 "Go to your wife, I tell you. Every moment I 
 spend listening to you is a disgrace to you as well 
 as to me and adds to my degradation." 
 
 "Again I ask you to give me a chance to explain." 
 
 "Again I repeat. No explanations." 
 
 "The psychological moment — " 
 
 "I shall call the police and have you jailed." 
 
 "Joan, Joan, I have come to this town to marry 
 you, to marry you on the spot. Let us rush to the 
 county clerk's office, secure a license and off to the 
 
THE VOICES 179 
 
 chambers of a judge and wed," said Applegate en- 
 thusiastically. 
 
 They had walked along in a desultory way and 
 were then nearly out of the town. Joan opened her 
 mouth to scream when Applegate put his hand over 
 her mouth softly and said: "Joan, you must hear — 
 I am not married." 
 
 "You have broken faith — you have broken your 
 contract." In a moment of forgetfulness, Joan said: 
 "Mr. Torby, I thought your word was something. 
 Now, I have lost all the respect I ever had for you, 
 Mr. Torby." And Joan's face was convulsed with 
 pain. 
 
 "Come, come, Joan." 
 
 "What have you done?" 
 
 "Break an engagement to marry? That is done 
 every day, really, in all circles." 
 
 "Such things may be of frequent occurrence in 
 your circle, but not in mine." 
 
 "Now, Joan, listen. In truth, I am to blame. I 
 cannot help that you are now my ideal. Now, no 
 more hysterics and finish with your logic. You see, 
 I hesitated and hesitated with Diana and then you 
 crossed my pathway and I was lost. Now, I shall 
 not hesitate with you. I am determined that you and 
 I shall not be lost. Time and distance are nothing 
 when the game is worth pursuit." And he told her 
 what occurred and exhibited papers where the reports 
 were conflicting, but at all events they were very 
 merciful and said, "Both parties were indifferent to 
 the marriage and when it came to the final point, 
 their dislike manifested itself by each going a dif- 
 ferent way." 
 
 Joan was so absorbed in her address she was ta 
 
180 THE VOICES 
 
 -give in the evening and still so bewildered by the 
 repudiation by her father that she had no desire to 
 listen to anything else. 
 
 Applegate was so happy that he could now hon- 
 estly plead for marriage that he could not conceive 
 how Joan, knowing the obstacles to marriage were 
 removed, could feel any different than he did — free, 
 light as air, unboundedly happy. So he looked at 
 her in amazement when she said: 
 
 "Mr. Torby, now I am going back to the hotel, 
 take my dinner, and give my talk this evening." 
 
 "Well, nature calls on me to dine. We shall dine 
 together." 
 
 "We shall do nothing of the sort, Mr. Torby. 
 You will go home. If not, I shall send a note to my 
 father, and though he has repudiated me, he will 
 kill you without mercy." 
 
 "And you will make your father a murderer? Too 
 much of that today — taking the law into one's own 
 hands." 
 
 "With you what can one do?" 
 
 "That will mean death on the gallows for your 
 father." 
 
 "Not for such men as you." 
 
 "Remember, I have a father, too," said Applegate. 
 
 "Go, go, I tell you." 
 
 "I do not dispute, dear, that you have cause to 
 be angry. I shall do as you command, but I shall 
 come again, and again. And I shall watch over and 
 protect you as if you were my own dear wife, as you 
 w ill be in time. A lifelong devotion will prove my 
 love. I really feel now as if I must run away, with 
 you." 
 
THE VOICES 181 
 
 "Then run away as fast as you can," returned 
 Joan ; "but without me." 
 
 "Never mind. I shall make amends for my un- 
 fortunate infatuation and misunderstood words." And 
 in a moment Applegate had vanished. 
 
 Joan retraced her steps, wiped away her tears, took 
 her dinner and, guided by her voices, regained her 
 composure. She found the comfortable hall filled to 
 overflowing with the town's representatives and all 
 classes of people. An audience was gathered that 
 filled her soul with joy. After the singing of the Star 
 Spangled Banner with enthusiasm, she was introduced 
 by the chairman, is a few simple words. 
 
 Joan, with a dignity and a charm of manner, said: 
 "I shall not greet you as men and women, or women 
 and men, but as fellow citizens. I appear before you 
 this evening to say a few words in regard to some of 
 the most important things in the world's history. I 
 am not confining myself or you to one subject, but 
 picking up threads as we move along. In no age, I 
 dare say, have even the most primitive races been 
 so devoid of law and order, so eager to throw off re- 
 straint. The age from the child up is destructive, 
 not constructive. The child must be taught by con- 
 tact, by association, by example and command. To- 
 day the child is allowed without any real pleasure or 
 comfort, but in sheer wantonness to tread on the 
 grass in parks, break bushes, etc., as enjoyment. As 
 the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined — a homely 
 proverb, but a true one. So with character and the 
 real things of life. Character building and the devel- 
 opment of children's minds, such things are funda- 
 mental elements and the foundation of good citizen- 
 ship. It is said by some that the League of Nations 
 
182 THE VOICES 
 
 will bring peace to the world; but it does not seem 
 to bring to all the belligerents the peace they desire. 
 So many persons say, 'I am for the League with res- 
 ervations.' Reservations that will preserve our Mon- 
 roe doctrine and things of that nature, but to me the 
 most important doctrine is, that 'Our Boys' will be 
 brought back from Siberia and that none of our boys 
 will have to fight in Europe for anything or anybody 
 except to preserve the National honor. 
 
 "There will be more or less chaos until things are 
 adjusted and conditions become normal, and that will 
 not be until we settle down and take more interest in 
 domestic affairs. And while we love all the world, we 
 owe the first duty to America — yes, love and duty to 
 America first and last. And law and order must be 
 maintained. The very enforcement of obnoxious laws 
 will eventually bring their repeal, so observe the law 
 in its minutest detail. As the French say, it is the 
 first step that costs." 
 
 "Pardon the interruption," said a man, rising. 
 "May I speak?" 
 
 "Certainly — nothing better to bring out good, new 
 ideas and viewpoints than questions. Name, please." 
 
 "Mr. Barrill." 
 
 "Mr. Barrill." 
 
 "I should like to ask without being considered rad- 
 ical if the League is to bring peace, why are Our Boys 
 still in Siberia, bearing the cold, snow and mud, still 
 policing Europe and a volunteer army of fifty thou- 
 sand men asked for foreign service? It does not ap- 
 pear to me that the League without reservations will 
 bring the desired peace and draw us away from the 
 horrors of war." 
 
 Before Joan could reply, another man arose and, 
 
THE VOICES 183 
 
 without waiting for recognition, said : "You are quite 
 right to express yourself, but you are a regular Cas- 
 sandra. I am afraid the world will never be of one 
 mind. There may be wisdom in it. We ourselves 
 frequently change our minds — blow hot today and 
 cold tomorrow." 
 
 Some one in the audience asked: "Are you afraid?" 
 
 "No," replied the man, unhesitatingly. "I speak 
 this way because Europe is still blazing, and without 
 League reservations we might be asked to extinguish 
 the flames at the expense of the lives of our pre- 
 cious boys." 
 
 "But we can change our minds, can't we?" ques- 
 tioned another. 
 
 "Permissible," answered another. "A distinguish- 
 ed statesman said, 'Consistency is the hobgoblin of 
 small minds.' And we must do what we think for 
 the best, which thought often brings. And we must 
 be guided." 
 
 "Now," said another, "I'll swallow the League m 
 its entirety." 
 
 Joan arose and lifted her gavel. "I wish to an- 
 swer the member who said, 'We must be guided.' He 
 is right. I am always guided in my actions by spir- 
 itual advice." 
 
 "Are you a spiritualist?" several arose and put 
 the question simultaneously. 
 
 "No; I am a divine messenger and when that 
 message is fully revealed to me, I shall carry it over 
 the United States^-my beloved America." 
 
 "You are a disciple of Swedenborg, are you not?" 
 inquired one; and then another, "Or of Spiritism?" 
 
 "Neither," said Joan. "I am preparing the way 
 for my Divine message." 
 
184 THE VOICES 
 
 "The Maid of Donremy— The Maid of Orleans?" 
 many said without rising from their seats. Joan 
 wisely did not provoke discussion on that point, but 
 continued : 
 
 "Wher the message is ready, I believe the world 
 will be ready to receive the message, but naturally 
 it will require more time than some people think to 
 bring economic and industrial relations back into nor- 
 mal condition." 
 
 "At all events,'' said another, "to my mind, un- 
 used to diplomacy, there are a number of irreconcil- 
 able things in the League to promote the peace of the 
 world. As I am anxious that we preserve peace in 
 our own midst and suppress the radical element — for 
 life would not be worth living under such conditions. 
 Ours is a democratic government and must be pre- 
 served that way." 
 
 Another man arose and said: "I have not heard 
 anything about labor, or is that subject tabooed?" 
 
 Joan arose and said: "On the contrary, the chair 
 wishes to say it is her intention to have a little later 
 on in San Francisco an evening entirely devoted to 
 labor. It is absolutely quite right that labor repre- 
 senting such powerful organizations should have a 
 word tonight. Now one at a time." 
 
 The man who was anxious to have the subject in- 
 troduced arose and said: "Labor has done so much 
 for the world that it should be recognized." 
 
 "And is it not recognized?" asked another. "But 
 it must not overstep boundaries. America has a most 
 beneficent government where there is redress for all." 
 
 A man arose, and with a strong voice, said: "La- 
 bor, overburdened with hard work, controlling noth- 
 ing, has assumed big proportions." 
 
THE VOICES 185 
 
 "Yes," said Joan, "labor will do more. It will be- 
 come great in proportion to its numbers, but it must 
 use moderation and work on the democratic plan — 
 'the consent of the governed.' I am sure each one and 
 all of us are desirous to work for the welfare of our 
 beloved country and would not work unreservedly 
 or approve of anything detrimental to the best inter- 
 ests of America, our beloved country. And my slo- 
 gan is one born an American citizen or an adopted 
 citizen has a blessed gift and all citizens owe alle- 
 giance only to this our beloved country, America. 
 I hope all will attend the labor meeting when an- 
 nounced to be held in San Francisco and that they 
 will come forward and say in which way they can 
 continue gaining in power without intimidation, with- 
 out violence. Labor must conquer itself if it wishes 
 to govern. I wish to impress every one here tonight 
 that it is the Americanism of every one that will 
 make democracy safe in America and save America 
 from the menace of anarchy and ruin." 
 
 After thanking the audience for their attention and 
 hoping to meet them all again, " 'Tis Thee, Sweet 
 Land of Liberty" was sung with energy, for nothing 
 rouses the spirit of people so much as the singing 
 of their own national songs. Then the audience dis- 
 persed. 
 
 As Joan left the hall there was Applegate waiting 
 for her. "Joan, here I am." 
 
 "Have you been inside?" 
 
 "To tell you the truth, I was inside near the door, 
 concealed by a pillar, and I saw you, though I heard 
 little or nothing but the applause. I heard when I 
 was listening, but which was seldom, as I was ob- 
 livious to everything but your eyes." 
 
186 THE VOICES 
 
 "Now, Mr. Torby, as you have eased your soul 
 by telling the truth, I bid you good night." 
 
 "Joan," persisted Applegate, "I simply wish to 
 see you to the door of your hotel. I cannot reconcile 
 myself with the idea of women going home alone, 
 unattended." 
 
 "With the lights burning and so many people 
 coming from the mass meeting — a reflection on the 
 people." 
 
 "No, on the times. The auto bandits or the lone 
 bandit or the pickpocket can have you at his mercy 
 in the crowded street as well as in a lonely road 
 these days." 
 
 "Well, I do not care to have you around, Mr. 
 Torby, any more than any other robber." 
 
 "If you talk like that," laughed Applegate, "I 
 shall be in fear of your hat pin." 
 
 "I shall let it rest in security for fear, like any 
 other weapon if you carry it, you may make use of it." 
 
 "Yes, I believe with you in disarmament." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, I have no sense of humor tonight." 
 
 "I have; for as soon as you rouse a woman's 
 anger like yours she is in love, Joan, and so are you, 
 charming Joan. How does the poet say or sing — 
 
 " 'Be you near or be you far 
 Let my blessing like a star 
 Shine upon you everywhere 
 And in each lone evening hour 
 When the twilight folds the flower, 
 I say think of your lover.' " 
 "Leave me, for pity's sake," said Joan. 
 "I shall cement my love with proofs so strong that 
 nothing can break it. You are* a precious stone, a 
 pure diamond." 
 
THE VOICES ' , 187 
 
 "Pure diamonds have no flaws. By speaking of 
 your love and pursuing me as you do, you — " cried 
 Joan. 
 
 "There may be flaws and rents in my chara9ter, 
 but you are a gem of the first water." 
 
 Joan lemained mute and he walked calmly by her 
 side until he reached the hotel and left her at the 
 door and said "Good night" in a most humble and 
 respectful way. 
 
 And Applegate felt weary but still hopeful. He 
 could not understand that Joan would not forget 
 those dreadful words unintentionally said in a mo- 
 ment when he saw no loophole of a way of escape 
 from a detested marriage, simply made detestable 
 by meeting her! These thoughts were in his mind 
 the hour Diana was married. And he compared him- 
 self to a military hero before a fortress and felt that 
 she would ultimately surrender, providing his own 
 strength did not become exhausted. And he must 
 make good in some way his promise to his father 
 and that he thought would depend upon Joan. 
 
 Joan, depressed by Applegate's persecution, as she 
 termed it, called upon her spiritual guide — her voices. 
 Her buoyant nature responded as she heard them 
 and she rose above all troubles and took refuge in 
 her "mission." 
 
CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 "Father, Joan has a marvelous power of speaking," 
 said Applegate to his father next day. "Her words 
 are simple, her voice is clear and touches people's 
 hearts." 
 
 "Did you hear her?" 
 
 "I did — not everything. I was too interested in 
 her. What I heard, though, proclaimed her an ora- 
 tor. Others heard her and were delighted. That is 
 the criticism of the people and of the papers too. 
 Her mission — " 
 
 "Do stop that. I should not care one iota about 
 the girl, if she had no voice at all, if she had not 
 cast her tentacles around you like the devil fish. She 
 will crush you." 
 
 "At all events, I am ready for the trial," said Ap- 
 plegate, smilingly. 
 
 "Mr. Ashton," said Torby, Senior, in a dry voice, 
 "as I told you yesterday, is anxious to do the right 
 thing for you in the mill and stand by the plant, not- 
 withstanding the escapade of his daughter. He is 
 delighted with her marriage, but he is anxious for 
 the good will of the public, especially now that the 
 plant is unionized. He knows your efficiency and 
 wishes you to work for harmony and peace between 
 employers and employees, which we all desire. Now 
 to this work you must give your undivided attention." 
 
 "Now, father, let us be candid with each other 
 if we wish success, in anything. I love Joan with 
 a passion that nothing can check. Every obstacle 
 placed in the way only increases my ardor." 
 
 "You do not need any fuel on the flame, I know." 
 
THE VOICES 189 
 
 "And now what do you think ^" 
 
 "My thoughts are exhausted with that trouble- 
 some personage," returned his father. 
 
 "She declines the honor to become Mrs. Apple- 
 gate Torby," said Applegate with a harsh laugh. 
 
 "I suppose you will be able to live without her — 
 will you not?" 
 
 "Please do not make light of this matter. It is a 
 very serious one to me. Poor girl, she is obsessed 
 with her—" 
 
 "Do not finish that sentence. You upset my 
 nerves." 
 
 "And do not say nerves to me," said Applegate. 
 
 "The epidemic of today. Miss Lynn is one of 
 these, the product of the war, who cannot live with- 
 out the limelight — publicity in her life." 
 
 "Stop, father. Do not say that. She is one of 
 the most modest of girls in thought and action. She 
 is devoted to her father, who has thrown her off be- 
 cause she prefers her mission, her life." 
 
 "Have it your way, son. My whole life work 
 thwarted by a person in skirts," said Torby, Senior, 
 bitterly. 
 
 "And mind, father, mind over matter, remember." 
 
 "Of course, superior. She endeavors to give evi- 
 dence of it all the time. Her light is not hidden un- 
 der a bushel. A world lost without her appearance 
 in her Divine right — Jehanne La Pucelle. She would 
 not be worth a thought were it not that she has you 
 so completely in her toils. Remember, in whatever 
 she does, it is Joan's work, first and last." 
 
 "Her mission must be first," said Applegate. 
 
 "Just go to work. I am going to meet Ashton 
 first and have a little talk with him in the place of 
 
190 THE VOICES 
 
 you meeting him, as you have too much, Joan, ov 
 your mind just now. Be sure, though, you come to 
 the Board meeting." 
 
 "If I do not come to the Directors' meeting, say 
 I am busy around the works." 
 
 "I shall say nothing then, but I insist now upon 
 you coming," said Torby, Senior, leaving with an 
 angry look. 
 
 As Mr. Torby went his way. Congressman Hard- 
 wick was announced and entered. "So glad you could 
 see me, Mr. Torby. I am around on a little tour of 
 investigation, seeing how strikes are going on and 
 getting on in these days." 
 
 "Well, I wish we were once more on a peace basis 
 all around. One has all one can do to keep one's 
 temper in these tempestous times," answered Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
 "The extremes that we meet today in everything 
 are unhealthy. No one can embrace all of his friends 
 at one time nor can one nation like the United States 
 work for the whole world at once," said Hardwick. 
 
 "Why, who are you and how did you get in?" 
 demanded Applegate, in a surprised and displeased 
 tone, as Mayme Mort came in, all excitement. 
 
 "I believe I seen you before. Boss, when Miss 
 Joan was here — ahem ! — and in the true American 
 way, I rushed in without introduction." 
 
 "You look as if you had come in through a bar- 
 ricade — a firing line," laughed Applegate. 
 
 "I knew if I could reach you, you'd listen to one 
 in trouble. Miss Joan told me so once when she 
 work'd for you in the mill. Your heart is big,"- and 
 Mayme sat down contentedly and looked at Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
THE VOICES 191 
 
 "Come, come, girl. What is your trouble?" 
 "The Western Consolidated has a strike on this 
 mornin' — a symphony strike — so we have a vacation, 
 and Peter Lynn and John Esmond Ammon Kelly and 
 Mayme Mort — that's me present — and lots of others 
 are out of work and ain't got no money. Poor old 
 Peter, already sick and failing, worrying about Miss 
 Joan. He has not said nothing, but John and me 
 know him so well that since givin' up Miss Joan he 
 has been like lightning struck," and Mayme sat back 
 in her chair to note the effect of her words. 
 
 "What do we know about lightning out here?" 
 queried Applegate. 
 
 "Electric, electricity," cried Mayme. "And I met 
 a very sweet lady outside and to her I told my trou- 
 bles, too, and she says she will help Peter and John 
 and me and all working girls who have no — I was 
 going to say meat — but I mean no bread," and Mayme 
 gave her head another shake. 
 
 "Well, now young lady, you are right. I am the 
 one to help you there and others also, but you three 
 must be my personal care," returned Applegate, 
 hastily. 
 
 "And kind boss, if you find out where Miss Joan 
 lives, and I could send her a line on a card tellin' 
 her about her father or John would write for me — he 
 writes a lovely hand — indeed he does. He will teach 
 me some day." 
 
 "Come, come with me," said Hardwick, jumping 
 up, "and you can come here again later. Mr. Torby, 
 I thank you for the information. I shall come again 
 for the remaining three quarters." And he went out, 
 followed by Mayme, making grimaces to the amuse- 
 
192 THE VOICES 
 
 ment of Applegate, who murmured, "The world is 
 obsessed." 
 
 Hardwick, coming out, found Mrs. Wotton with 
 a mirthful look on her face, which broke into a sunny 
 'smile as she saw him with Mayme, rushing up to her. 
 "How good to see you. What brought you?" 
 
 "Good morning. Congressman. I came here to 
 inquire about conditions and I met this poor girl, 
 who told me thert is and would be much suffering 
 everywhere here, and I felt so helpless and weak 
 just now." 
 
 "And?" said Hardwick. 
 
 "I wish so much to be helpful." 
 
 "My poor girl," said Hardwick to Mayme, "you 
 run on to your friends's house and Mrs. Wotton and 
 I shall come later." 
 
 "Bring him good news," said Mrs. Wotton. He 
 need not fear when he is out of work or you either." 
 
 "Yes, yes; go child, go." And Mayme said to 
 herself: "That man has no company manners. Good- 
 ness ! Poor old Peter is grievin' for Miss Joan, his 
 child. An' so much to do for the whole world too. I 
 won't think about it. Let others do that, that's all." 
 
 "Just think," said Mr. Hardwick to Mrs. Wotton, 
 as soon as Mayme left them, "what good luck brought 
 us together this fine day. It is heavenly, is it not?" 
 
 "I do not know exactly." 
 
 Why do you trust yourself out here alone?" said 
 Hardwick anxiously. 
 
 "There are no wild animals around; there are 
 only excited' people, a little overwrought for a cause 
 possibly, so I left my limousine and chaufifeur a little 
 out of sight." 
 
THE VOICES 193 
 
 "You are a wise young woman, an old head on 
 young shoulders." 
 
 "Ah, you flatterer," said Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 "Can you paint the lily or gild refined gold?" 
 
 "Please do not quote today, with so much trouble 
 in the air." 
 
 "Now, remember, I have not seen you in ages." 
 
 "And I, Congressman, shall have to call you to 
 order. You saw me yesterday." 
 
 "Yesterday, a century ago!" 
 
 "Now, be careful with your remarks, with your 
 country drifting." 
 
 "Come, let us take a promenade." 
 
 "A promenade here?" And Mrs. Wotton looked 
 around the district. 
 
 "Let us take a walk away from here — somewhere 
 — to the park. Kindly tell your chauffeur to follow 
 us." The order was given. 
 
 "Do you know," said Hardwick, "I had a very 
 sleepless night. I look a little jaded, eh?" 
 
 "A little worn," replied Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 "Oh, I need some one's care, some one to notice 
 how I look. No, I do not mean that. I want some 
 one to care for, to think of, to dream of." 
 
 "Congressman Hardwick !" 
 
 "Is it day?" 
 "It is what you make it." 
 
 "I answer," said Hardwick, hurriedly, "it is night, 
 without what I long for. Something has sprung up 
 within me that has created a restlessness I cannot 
 suppress." 
 
 "We generally can do what we wish to do if our 
 endeavors are strong." 
 
 "No use trying. You are growing lovelier every 
 
194 THE VOICES 
 
 day. Your character more and more in consonance 
 with my idea of true womanhood." 
 
 "I am not accustomed to such large doses of flat- 
 tery," said the lovely widow, whose daily food it had 
 been since she was a child. 
 
 "I am afraid," said Hardwick, "afraid — " 
 
 "Afraid of what? Snakes in the shrubbery?" And 
 again the widow's face dimpled with ripples of laugh- 
 ter. They had taken a long walk, with long pauses 
 between sentences. 
 
 "I am afraid some one will snatch you away from 
 me and then I shall curse my hesitation." 
 
 "Be careful! No profanity in a lady's presence." 
 
 "Pardon." 
 
 "Granted," mockingly. 
 
 "I should be lost, my usefulness gone. Mrs. Wot- 
 ton, dear charmer of my heart, help me," imploringly 
 said Hardwick. 
 
 "What help can I give?" 
 
 "Say, 'I shall help you.' " 
 
 "I may," she returned tremulously. 
 
 "You will," and he grasped her hand strongly but 
 tenderly. 
 
 "Congressman !" She said no more, but as she did 
 not withdraw her hand he considered it a good omen. 
 "My auto is a good distance away from us now. 
 Anyway, it is only an open one and a battered one, 
 not one to ride in this wintry day." 
 
 "I think you said a little while ago it was sunny. 
 Has the weather changed since we were talking?" 
 queried Mrs. Wotton. 
 
 "We have had a long walk and it has grown 
 warmer." 
 
 Warmer at this season after twelve o'clock?" 
 
THE VOICES 195 
 
 "I meant it has changed many degrees, but really 
 the thermometer is up many degrees. Let us go 
 somewhere in your machine. You wonderful woman, 
 you rejuvenator, elixir of life!'-' 
 
 "Do not exhaust yourself." 
 
 They walked in a contented silence for a few 
 minutes, when Hardwick said : "There is your lim- 
 ousine. I shall beckon your chauffeur?" inquiringly. 
 
 As the chauffeur opened the door he said, 
 "Where?" Hardwick answered, "Whirl somewhere." 
 
 When seated, Hardwick said: "Hereafter it must 
 be you to express your wishes. My life snail be yours 
 to command." 
 
 "How long will that be — that l shall be obeyed?" 
 
 "As long as God permits us to remain united in 
 this terrestial sphere, and I hope that we' shall be 
 reunited in the celestial one. But do you know a 
 thought has come to me, something, something — " 
 
 "Express yourself," said the widow, sweetly. 
 
 "If it does not suit you, will you forgive me and 
 allow me to return to my present status? Happiness.'' 
 
 "Complete, eh?" 
 
 "No, it is not complete until I have you safe in 
 my arms." 
 
 "You mean marry soon?" 
 
 "Yes, yes, telepathist." 
 
 "Why hurry, why rush things?" 
 
 "The times are rushing. If you love me, what is 
 the difference if you marry me in a month?" 
 
 "Or three months, is that it?" And Mrs. Wotton 
 leaned back in her seat and closed her eyes. 
 
 "I have a better proposition." 
 
 "Let me hear it." 
 
 "If you promise to forgive me." 
 
196 THE VOICES 
 
 "I do solemnly." 
 
 "Marry this day, this day, this hour, this moment." 
 
 "Oh, impossible," returned Mrs. Wottoh, and 
 closed her eyes. 
 
 Hardwick kissed her and said: "Your 'yes' is 
 sealed with a kiss. Think what I have saved you." 
 
 "Let me hear," and she trembled, but she had 
 no fear. 
 
 "You have women friends — think of the fuss and 
 feathers — no trousseau, etc." 
 
 "How can a woman be "married without a trous- 
 
 seau f 
 
 ?" 
 
 "1 know one different from other women — yes, I 
 know one woman who can and you are the woman, 
 my beloved." 
 
 "Oh, you think so, only?" 
 
 "Yes, I shall have to go to Washington shortly, 
 and to go without — impossible. And then my heart 
 is none too strong." And he looked at her eagerly. 
 
 "Oh, oh!" piteously. 
 
 "Think of the strain on your nerves, especially 
 now when there is so much to be done. Let us go 
 right away to the county clerk's office, procure a 
 license, then to the judge's chambers and be married. 
 Think of my agony without your answer! Comply 
 once more, grant my entreaty, I implore." 
 
 "We shall astonish the world." 
 
 "Not today. We could astonish the world if we 
 would be married on the planet Mars, but you have 
 consented, my love." And Hardwick again took her 
 hand, which she had withdrawn, and she now did not 
 resist. He took up the button and told the chauf- 
 feur the direction of the county clerk's office. The 
 
THE VOICES 197 
 
 chauffeur asked Mrs. Wotton for instructions, and she 
 said, "You may, Frank." 
 
 "Oh, what an adorable woman! Margaret, Mar- 
 garet, how I love that name ! My pearl — its language, 
 you know. I have never called you that, never taken 
 that liberty. Oh, Margaret, Margaret, you have cured 
 my heart affection," said Hardwick. 
 
 "Oh, you deceiver," said Mrs. Wotton, comically. 
 
 "But you must remember my heart did palpitate 
 when I was awaiting my fate from the very begin- 
 ning of this very delightful afternoon. Oh, Marga- 
 ret — joy inconceivable !" 
 
 "Be careful of your heart." 
 
 "No, now I need not be careful. No, I must just 
 let it bound away on this glorious day. Oh, that this 
 day might last forever. Now, one thing more, I beg 
 of you." 
 
 "What a petitioner you are." 
 
 "I shall always be a beggar at your feet." 
 
 "You beg so nicely for what you want that — 
 that — " hesitatingly. 
 
 "That you will grant it, I am sure." 
 
 "Call me Wittington — do, do." 
 
 "Wittington, you must be witty," said Mrs. Wot- 
 ton. 
 
 "It is a common name — an ordinary name, I mean 
 — but from your sweet lips — " 
 
 "Of course it must sound sweet, Wittington." 
 
 "And now for pleasant sailing." 
 
 "These things have all been said before, even more. 
 Lovers have declared to move the snow from the 
 Alps, but afterwards — " 
 
 "Afterwards with you. If you wish something I 
 cannot get, I shall, I must — " 
 
198 THE VOICES 
 
 "No, no," returned Mrs. Wotton. "Do not com- 
 mit yourself — no such rash promises. We shall simp- 
 ly endeavor to live in such an atmosphere of love 
 and duty, we shall unconsciously develop the best 
 in each other." 
 
 "Amen. So shall it be," said Hardwick, solemnly. 
 
 The license was secured. Judge married 
 
 them with his blessing. The fee was paid, when 
 Hardwick asked, "To which hotel? You order now, 
 dearest." She replied, "To our country home." And 
 Hardwick bent down and reverently kissed her hand. 
 
 Then the charming Mrs. Hardwick said: "Next 
 week I shall give in honor of our marriage one hun- 
 dred thousand dollars for the establishment of a 
 country home for the children of the poor, where 
 they can come for a two or three weeks' vacation 
 every year. Of course, the institution must be prop- 
 erly organized with a board of directors, so that it 
 will be properly managed and not diverted from its 
 purpose. The one hundred thousand dollars that I 
 shall give is to be placed at interest to be a regular 
 fund and the interest from it to be used towards the 
 current expenses. And as soon as possible we must 
 go to work, as this should be done in our lifetime, 
 so that we can know that the institution is based on 
 sound principles that will hold and be assisted by 
 other wealthy people contributing towards it and 
 possibly grow beyond one's dreams. What happiness 
 is ours to be able to contribute to the happiness of 
 others, especially little children. 'Sufifer little chil- 
 dren to come unto Me.' You and I shall do that 
 work together." 
 
 "I am able to give five thousand dollars. Lady 
 Bountiful — a fence around the grounds." 
 
THE VOICES 199 
 
 "I accept the donation," said Mrs. Hardwick, 
 laughingly. 
 
 "Amen, amen !" broke forth from both simultan- 
 eously. A thought flitted across Mrs. Hardwick's 
 mind that it would be right to have it given in the 
 name of her deceased husband, with whom a few 
 happy years were passed before he went across the 
 Great Beyond and who left her his vast possessions, 
 but it passed as a memory and she gave herself up 
 to the happiness of the hour. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 "What is that girl doing around here so much? 
 She is a dangerous character," spoke Torby, Senior. 
 
 "That girl dangerous? She is blessed with a good 
 heart, and if you were hungry and she had one piece 
 of bread she would divide it with you." 
 
 "Lately, Applegate, you have a good word for 
 every one and you have faith in every one excepting 
 yourself." 
 
 "That will come to me, father, when I marry 
 Joan." 
 
 "Of course, she is your Gibraltar. You are a 
 strong man to lean on a girl." 
 
 "But, father, she is no ordinary girl." 
 
 "Certainly not; she is celestial. Anyway, that 
 girl who comes in here so often is on a sympathetic 
 strike." 
 
 "Which she cannot help." 
 
 "Anyway, persons out of work become hungry, 
 and hungry people are generally not very amiable. 
 This girl does not look so hungry, but she may be 
 rabid anyway. Keep her out. We shall show them 
 that this plant will teach a thing or two until they 
 get through." 
 
 "Now, father, that is bombastic for you to speak 
 that way. I think we shall be fortunate if we are 
 not called on again and — " 
 
 "Nonsense. The law — " 
 
 "You see, father, the pickets are still swarming 
 and meddling with every employee who does not 
 think absolutely their way. Joan did not approve 
 
THE VOICES 201 
 
 of the pickets, you know. She left on that account. 
 What high principle she has." 
 
 "Where is the girl now — extinguishing the fires 
 of the world, eh? Where is the Panacea that she 
 is to bring to a weary world to make our govern- 
 ment so strong that anarchy will find no fertile soil? 
 You need not look like a thunder cloud." 
 
 "Joan is branching out and I believe God will in- 
 spire that girl to save our Republic from the menace 
 of anarchy, and when she does, I shall be there." 
 
 "Of course you will be there; you may be the 
 inspiration. I have positively no faith in that crea- 
 ture." 
 
 "You pain me when you speak that way. Joan 
 is sincere," said Applegate. "You know if we pur- - 
 sue any one object zealously and continuously we 
 begin to believe it ourselves and our faith brings the 
 whole world to our feet. This may be illustrated in 
 the history of Robert Bruce, who had been defeated 
 by the English repeatedly, but he had such faith in 
 himself and his people that he overcame all obstacles 
 and finally defeated the English at Bannockburn and 
 became King of Scotland?." 
 
 "Certainly, a beautiful illustration. What a name 
 that girl has; Mort in French means death." 
 
 "What signifies a name? It is the action of the 
 person, the merit." 
 
 "Do not bother about the girl, I was so excited 
 about the sympathetic strikes, that I barely glanced 
 at the papers today," said Mr. Torby, Senior. 
 
 "Father, father, come back. Here is striking 
 news." 
 
 "Another strike on? That is not news. I shall 
 
202 THE VOICES 
 
 read nothing more about them, otherwise I may be- 
 come a victim of nervous prostration." 
 
 "Applegate fairly shrieked with laughter and then 
 said, "Mrs. Wotton, the charming, wealthy, young 
 widow and Congressman Hardwick were married yes- 
 terday after they left this office. Evidently they 
 went and procured a license and then were married 
 by Judge , so prosaic and yet so startling." 
 
 "You see how people marry for wealth and posi- 
 tion, not girls with bugs. Hardwick is a sensible 
 Congressman. While on his mission to California 
 he marries a woman, young, handsome and with a 
 large fortune. Our government has much discern- 
 ment in sending out Congressmen and Senators on 
 missions which they faithfully carry out." 
 
 "It is a good joke anyway," said Applegate." 
 
 "Where is the joke? I do not see a rim of one," 
 said Torby, Senior. 
 
 "Well, father, all one can do is to give you a good 
 joke; if you do not see it, it is not my fault. Ex- 
 ercise your mind." 
 
 "I do not enjoy indiscriminate joking. Now, I 
 wish to tell you it is no joke that Mr. Ash ton is de- 
 termined if any more trouble with pickets or sympa- 
 thetic strikes or disturbance of any kind to have this 
 plant an open shop. Every one the privilege of 
 working, otherwise our orders will not be filled. Dis- 
 grace that you did not attend the Directors' meeting 
 yesterday." 
 
 "But, father, right or wrong, that must not pre- 
 vent us from assisting destitute families. No doubt 
 Mrs. Hardwick, the Congressihan's ideal, will con- 
 tinue playing the good Samaritan and she is a fine 
 woman too. No gallery playing with her." 
 
THE VOICES 203 
 
 "Yes, she is a genuine good woman, the Simon 
 pure," and Torby, Senior, left the office for a confer- 
 ence with Ashton." 
 
 "Here I am boss," and Mayme entered with a 
 little swagger. "My beau John Kelly sent me to 
 see you today. The beautiful lady with the promises 
 didn't turn up yesterday. I hope she ain't sick," and 
 she looked concerned. 
 
 "The lady will be around in a day or so, I am 
 quite sure. She has been very busy." 
 
 "Busy; if I ain't mistaken, she doesn't have to 
 work, her hands can be white." 
 
 "Do you know a great writer said something to 
 this efifect. To be honest one does not need white 
 hands?" 
 
 "I agree with him. Where would our likes be?" 
 said Mayme with an injured look which she really 
 felt. 
 
 "Your class as a whole are the most honest in 
 the world," said Applegate. 
 
 "I wish the lady had come. It would do me good 
 to see her, cause too, I need money for Lynn. You 
 see, a healthy girl like me, has so much blood sav'd 
 up she can live on it quite sometime. Runnin about 
 an makin believe she has had her eats." 
 
 "You are a philosopher," laughed Applegate. 
 
 "If it is something, I hope it's very strong." 
 
 "But what have you done with all your earn- 
 ings?" 
 
 "Done mean layin up money?" 
 "Your wages, I mean," and again Applegate's 
 risibles were affected. 
 
 "Dear me," said Mayme, "when we have money 
 
204 THE VOICES 
 
 we spend it, we live while we can. Laugh and dance 
 and so on." 
 
 "For to-morrow we may die," said Applegate. 
 
 "Yes, but to-morrow we may live too; then what?" 
 
 "Now, I am going to tell you about the lady." 
 
 "Yes, yes, do tell. My guy says I'm a good lis- 
 tener when I ain't talking,'' and she laughed heartily, 
 with her mouth wide open, showing good white 
 teeth, cleanly kept, much to her credit. 
 
 "She was married yesterday." 
 
 "For the Lawd's sake, you don't say so. She 
 gave me ten dollars yesterday and I was mighty 
 glad to get it. John and me and Peter Lynn had a 
 good dinner and breakfast with it. Now it is all 
 gone. I can cook a fine meal I can. If you give me 
 the money, boss, I'll cook you a good meal, see if 
 I don't and the good Gawd generally sends some 
 one, to help," said Mayme confidently, and she shook 
 her head with great animation, 
 
 Applegate was inclined to tell her that it was bet- 
 ter to leave money to one's enemy when dead than 
 to borrow from one's friend when living, but looking 
 at her face he thought it would not be wise to dis- 
 turb her and so said nothing. 
 
 "Now, please let me get in a word edgewise," 
 answered Applegate. "You may take all the money 
 the lady may give you for yourself, but not for Peter 
 Lynn or Miss Joan." 
 
 "But," replied Mayme with a downcast look, 
 "Peter Lynn is very sick, an in poor spirits and Miss 
 Joan told me to take care of him. He is my trust." 
 
 "Your what?" 
 
 "She trusted me to take care of him an I'll do it, 
 but we are all out of work and have to pay to keep 
 
THE VOICES 205 
 
 up strikes, so I must go around hunting up some so 
 as to take care of my trust," said Mayme triumph- 
 antly." 
 
 "Possibly, Lynn would like to see Miss Joan." 
 
 "I thought so too, and I told him so, several days 
 after my vacation began. And I told him Miss Joan 
 loves him, and she told me if even he wanted to see 
 her. just to let her know and she would leave every- 
 thing and come." 
 
 "The dear girl," murmured Applegate. 
 
 "What did you say?" 
 
 "Nothing. It must have been the wind," said 
 Applegate. 
 
 "Thinking aloud, was it?" and Mayme laughed, 
 but continued. "Well, I tell you he flared up and 
 told me to march home and if ever I mentioned her 
 name again he would throw a stool at me. Yes, a 
 stool. Dreadful tempered man he is. I patted him 
 and told him I'd make him a nice supper. I'd. I had 
 to beg credit at the grocery store — something to 
 make an appetite, but he didn't seem to hear it. He 
 just burst in tears and groaned. He is in a bad 
 way and I cried a little to keep him company. I am 
 so soft you know." 
 
 "You are a good girl. Now, go home to Lynn 
 and I shall send in a large supply of groceries, also 
 a physician." 
 
 "He won't let a doctor come near him. John 
 wanted to go for a doctor he knows, but, no, he is 
 so strongheaded." 
 
 "Never mind, I shall send one all the same, hear 
 what he says and the medicine will be sent and a 
 nurse if necessary. 
 
206 THE VOICES 
 
 "Please, boss, don't send a nur§e. Miss Joan told 
 me to care for him." 
 
 "Very well, for the present, it may be better for 
 you to care for him. And now be sure and keep 
 silent, about my attending to these things, to Miss 
 Joan. She must not know." 
 
 "Mum's the word. I cross my heart to die," and 
 Mayme looked anything but the incarnation of truth 
 which she really was — a genuine sample in this case. 
 
 "You shall not be forgotten, but you must obey." 
 
 "You bet your life my jaws won't get tired spread- 
 ing it. I must tell John you know. He doesn't 
 count." 
 
 "If he is like you, he is all right," replied Apple- 
 gate. 
 
 "I'll go bail for John. He promised me a fifty 
 dollar pearl necklace, pearls real, you know and 
 pearls are goin up, taxes on them, more every day. 
 But on account of these strikes he can't buy one 
 now. I am sorry for him because he will keep his 
 word. Government is right, we must pay taxes, but 
 on fifty dollar pearls, necklace pearls, is too bad. 
 Pearl necklaces make the neck look well. Good- 
 bye." 
 
 "Now, Mayme, possibly, if you do your part well, 
 I may give you a string of pearls for fifty dollars." 
 
 "I don't want a string," returned Mayme, "I want 
 a rope." 
 
 "They shall be on a rope, if that pleases you 
 better, but I shall arrange to buy them to suit you." 
 
 "For the Lawd's sake, boss, you are fine. No 
 wonder rich people always look so pretty. It is the 
 fine feathers, but the jewelery, it is jewelery. I can 
 spell that. Make one look bright. It does raise my 
 
THE VOICES 207 
 
 spirits wonderfully to see pearls. They look so 
 modest, not like those stony diamonds, throwing 
 their light — vulgar — vulgar, not for me. Good-bye." 
 
 "And now, Applegate," said Torby, Senior, com- 
 ing in in a stormy way. "It seems to me that girl 
 was in here again. I just missed her, darting in and 
 out. Angles and corners are nothing to her. A 
 bandit would have a hard time holding her up. She 
 does not need to take lessons in Jiu Jitsu, does she?" 
 
 And Applegate laughing convulsively said, "Fa- 
 ther, that Mayme is as good as a theater, circus and 
 movie combined to chase dull care and troubles away 
 and a heart." 
 
 "That beats?" 
 
 "Yes, father, a heart that beats, is beaten into pure 
 gold. And she will make that John of hers some day 
 very happy, I am sure." 
 
 "Whoever loves, Applegate, has a master and 
 love demands all or gives all." 
 
 "I would and am ready to give the universe for 
 Joan." 
 
 "Applegate, stop raving," and Torby, Senior, 
 looked at his son pathetically. 
 
 "I am happy in my ravings, so let me dwell where 
 happiness is." 
 
 "Go on, my son. You have your own prism." 
 
 "Yes, I suppose so." 
 
 "And now, Applegate," said his father, "I do trust 
 that you will go to work and forget love making 
 until everything is on its former basis. Really, then 
 you will have time to devote to it, when everything 
 is normal again. Then love will be a delightful occu- 
 pation after all this war and strife." 
 
 "Let us to the mill now." 
 
208 THE VOICES 
 
 "Good, Applegate, but Ashton is coming in and 
 you must not go. You must meet him here where 
 I am. not in public. The extreme embarrassment will 
 be worn off and I being present, shall keep you both 
 from running off at a tangent. You know you are 
 not in command of yourself. You must be at your 
 best." 
 
 "So glad I caught you to-day, Applegate," said 
 Ashton coming in, "and your presence has encour- 
 aged every one around the place and I really believe 
 this plant is going to be redeemed in doing the right 
 thing. I was very much discouraged yesterday, but 
 to-day there seems to be a different feeling prevail- 
 ing. The employees desire to see the employers 
 around, gives them courage. Now we shall do every- 
 thing for them and they in return must give their 
 best." 
 
 "I agree with you there. Miss Lynn says so too, 
 that they must abide by their contracts, take up their 
 responsibilities." 
 
 Ashton looked aghast and Torby, Senior, repHed, 
 "Miss Lynn only repeats what she hears men like 
 Mr. Ashton and the Board of Directors say." Ap- 
 plegate reddened and was about to open his mouth 
 to speak when Torby, Senior, quietly intervened and 
 said in a decided, even tone, "Ashton, your plan, the 
 thorough Americanization, patriotic allegiance, and 
 undivided love of country which admits of no other 
 feeling is the one fine, strong, sentiment that will 
 make this land of liberty, peaceful and harmonious 
 in its industrial relations, for capital and labor have 
 mutual interests." 
 
 "And now, Torby, you must not be so modest." 
 
 "Modest, why. In what way?" 
 
THE VOICES 209 
 
 "That is your plan as well as mine." 
 
 "You want me to share?" 
 
 "Honors with me, to be sure. Honesty on my 
 part requires it. We can all join it. We shall take 
 Applegate in also," said Ashton. 
 
 "To be sure, no one must be left out," said Torby, 
 Senior. 
 
 "Take in the Board," said Ashton. 
 
 "Let our families join in the plan. So let us add 
 Diana, she will approve of the plan. Americaniza- 
 tion and Reconstruction," said Torby, 
 
 "So be it," said Ashton; in which Applegate 
 weakly joined. 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Joan spoke in a hall in one of the suburban towns 
 of San Francisco to a well filled house. She was 
 again on the platform with a well satisfied expression 
 on her countenance. The Star Spangled Banner was 
 sung with the usual enthusiasm. 
 
 Joan was fairly well known in San Francisco and 
 vicinity, and she was introduced by a representative 
 man of the town who was the Chairman of the eve- 
 ning. 
 
 "Fellow citizens," said Joan, "the first thing I 
 shall take up this evening is the very serious problem 
 of the High Cost of Living, resulting from this great 
 war, a trail that follows all wars, ending in depres- 
 sion. But never has there been known after great 
 wars such a rioting in extravagance — a mad orgy in 
 all circles of life — from the child at school to the 
 octogenarian. Women take the initiative there, but 
 men do not need any instruction. And wages increase 
 in the same ratio. Consequently to eliminate the 
 High Cost of Living the first step is to submit to 
 rules which govern individuals as well as nations. 
 Restriction in wants and economy." 
 
 A man arose and said, "But if a man has no money 
 and children and they gO' to school and see others 
 dress fine — then?" 
 
 "Yes," said another, "that is the case of many." 
 
 Joan replied, "It is quite a problem with little 
 money to bring up children properly. When these 
 children attend school and see others over dress there 
 is only one thing that can or will solve it, or rather 
 
THE VOICES 211 
 
 remedy it, that is strict economy along the lines, as 
 I shall endeavor to illustrate. Men cannot say that 
 vanity does not exist among men as well as among 
 women and girls, and especially among boys and 
 girls with indulgent parents. You know that it has 
 not yet been proven absolutely that we are not de- 
 scended from monkeys, for we are, as they are, great 
 imitators. We are influenced, more or less — boys 
 wish silk underwear as well as girls of rich parents, 
 and those of poor parents as well. It is told today 
 a school party involves an outlay unheard of in 
 former years and causes some boys and girls, with 
 forethought, to leave in the commencement of their 
 senior year. A school party means all that para- 
 phernalia of society. The boy in the majority of in- 
 stances must send flowers, take a taxi for the girl, 
 provide supper, etc. A tax indeed on the parents 
 and a loss of time and education for both parties 
 concerned. Now, where does the happiness come in? 
 Universities and Public Schools are to a great extent 
 molders of public opinion. They should be the great 
 sources of Americanization — of Democracy; the foun- 
 tain head for good or evil. If there is a germ of 
 radicalism in these great institutions, it should be 
 exterminated with vigor and thoroughness. 
 
 "It has been said that women teachers have been 
 told to dress well. Why should clothes be an asset 
 to a teacher instead of learning? School teachers can 
 make school work attractive without the artificial aid 
 of costly dressing." 
 
 "Right you are there," said a woman rising. "As 
 the universities and public schools are not charitable 
 institutions — rich children can afford to have fine 
 clothes, while the poor cannot. The fine clothes on 
 
212 THE VOICES 
 
 one side, and the poor on the other raises a line and 
 marks class distinction which should not be in insti- 
 tutions supported by the government, paid in taxes 
 by the people. They should be governed and taught 
 and fed on the lines of pure democracy. I also be- 
 lieve in vocational training." These remarks were 
 well received. 
 
 "Yes," replied Joan, "all must be very careful in 
 serious times and set a good example. And our doors 
 are so wide open to immigration that thousands have 
 landed without a cent, gone to work, learned the lan- 
 guage, conquered all short comings and have since 
 become rich and famous, and some remained as des- 
 titute as when they came. All had equal chances, 
 but we do not all take advantage of the opportuni- 
 ties presented to us." 
 
 A man rose and said, "If all were to pick up the 
 opportunities, there would not be enough golden op- 
 portunities to go around." 
 
 "Or they might then be more evenly divided," 
 said Joan. "But you must remember if the wealth 
 of the world were divided per capita, the share of 
 each one would be infinitesimally small, and then the 
 majority would still be discontents. And to reduce 
 the high cost of living, there must be thrift and econ- 
 omy exercised. Your aid given in work to increase 
 production will be the first step of reconstruction 
 and reduce the cost of living. The increase of wages 
 increases other things in proportion — things work in 
 cycles." 
 
 A man arose and said, "I do not believe that 
 women understand exactly what injustice and trouble 
 they cause by interfering in every business and in 
 every possible thing. Now, I mean no reflection on 
 
THE VOICES 213 
 
 the women — the ladies — God bless them! But how 
 can they, without experience, teach the world how to 
 run its aflfairs when some men have been running 
 their business, industrial or commercial, for years and 
 do not know yet how to run them? What looks 
 wrong on the surface and may be wrong, must be 
 remedied from the root. You can't take a brick out 
 of a building without the building toppling — gravity 
 steps in. And so now, ladies, and Madam Chairman, 
 I trust you will pardon my say, but ponder over it 
 well," and he sat down amidst a roar of applause. 
 
 Many women rose and said simultaneously, "We 
 are on a learning tour and shall investigate care- 
 fully." 
 
 Joan replied, "Yes; women must be careful — they 
 must not expect to rule the world at once, and if 
 there is too much paternalism — too many laws might 
 become unbearable — so a word of caution is in order." 
 
 Another man rose and said, "Woman has also 
 been projected into the labor question, the economic 
 question. Woman has introduced extravagance in the 
 home life to such a degree that often divorce and ali- 
 mony follow each other in quick succession. The 
 desire of woman to be in active service — for woman 
 can work and does work — and to be beautifully 
 gowned has not improved conditions. But woman 
 beautiful must be so in mind as well as person to 
 make the world better, and man, to his honor and 
 credit, looks to woman to accomplish that fact." 
 
 "That is the idea," said another man, "in that 
 family of woman belong our mothers, wives, sisters 
 and sweethearts." 
 
 Another rose and very truthfully said, "After the 
 Civil War prices remained for a long time very high 
 
214 THE VOICES 
 
 and both wages and food never went back to their 
 former level — and possibly, well they did not." 
 
 "True," replied Joan. "After all wars of long or 
 short duration — especially after wars of long dura- 
 tion, many have grown rich through profiteering; 
 others, in legitimate ways, by the increase of pro- 
 duction caused by war; the inflation of finances 
 through stocks and exchange of currencies and the 
 depreciation of the purchasing power of money. 
 While it will take some time before things can be 
 normally adjusted — wages, food, clothing and mate- 
 rials will probably never go back to the prices pre- 
 vailing previous to the war. At all events, with the 
 present inflated prices we should be more sane with 
 our expenditures. We should practice rigid economy 
 and not purchase luxuries, which would cause the 
 production of more of the necessities and thus reduce 
 the High Cost of Living." 
 
 A voice from the audience, "How can we think of 
 little things when we only hear of millions which 
 run into trillions and quadrillions? Naturally we for- 
 get consequences." 
 
 " 'Lest we forget,' " said Joan, "we must not for- 
 get, and then our heads need not ache about the 
 billions, as that duty belongs to the government, and 
 the best policy is to leave it quietly and rationally 
 where it belongs." 
 
 "Another voice, "I wish I were one of those syn- 
 dicate of bankers." 
 
 "A natural wish," replied Joan. 
 
 "And I," said another, "would be quite contented 
 to be a laboring man with ten dollars a day for eight 
 hours' work." 
 
 "When you say 'Content,' I am not sure that the 
 
THE VOICES 215 
 
 big majority belong to the discontented class, be- 
 cause a contented man is hard to find. He is always 
 seeking something. I am going to tell you a little 
 anecdote that I read some time ago. I do not know 
 it verbatum, but I am going to relate it as I remem- 
 ber it: A man advertised that he had a fine lot 
 which he wished to give to a contented man, as he 
 was eager to meet one. Wefl, as you may imagine, 
 he had many applicants, and finally a man ca!me who 
 said he was the contented man; he had a wife whom 
 he loved with the devotion of a lover, two children, 
 a boy and a girl — models of beauty and amiability 
 and all good characteristics, and he was comfortably 
 situated in this world's goods; he was supremely 
 happy and he claimed the lot on the plea that he was 
 the contented man." 
 
 "Did he get the lot?" inquired one eagerly! 
 
 "No," replied Joan. "The owner said if he wanted 
 the lot he was not contented ! Do you see how many 
 of our wants in this world are superfluous?" which 
 brought a hearty laugh. 
 
 And another man rose and said, "What becomes 
 of the man with a family to support and limited 
 means — neither a laboring man nor a banker? He 
 will be crushed between the two millstones!" 
 
 "White collar," some said, and laughed. 
 
 "I feel sure time and the government will rectify 
 all possible things," said Joan, "and now I am going 
 to introduce that delicate subject — race problems, race 
 rioting, etc. Neither color nor religion should bias 
 justice being done. Our government founded on 
 'Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,' our Con- 
 stitution, that wonderful document fought for and 
 gained by farmers and ploughboys, whose wives of 
 
216 THE VOICES 
 
 Colonels and Generals made frock smocks out of 
 jeans or tweed spun at home, which were worn over 
 pantaloons and belted in. Thus were our fathers 
 equipped who fought and died for America." The 
 deafening applause testified their appreciation of these 
 words. 
 
 "People in a passion," continued Joan, "always 
 commit wrongs which in cooler moments they would 
 not do, and in no instance is mob violence to be en- 
 couraged or tolerated. Trial by jury is another one 
 of the great privileges of American citizens, and 
 while it may be most trying to be calm under the 
 commitment of heinous crimes, but when we con- 
 sider that one infraction of the law leads to another 
 and that law and order must be preserved we see 
 that no individuals, no organization or organizations 
 must override the laws of the government. So you 
 find that it will not do to override laws. Laws if 
 not satisfactory must be tested by ballot. Crimes 
 which provoke a tendency to mob violence, it seems 
 to me that a court should be arranged where such 
 trials should come for speedy action, and if guilty, 
 immediate execution of the law should follow. If 
 trials are not held, not only is lynching against good 
 government, but someone not guilty might be lynched 
 — the innocent suffer with the guilty. Lawlessness 
 must not be entertained, still less prevail in this 
 glc5rious land and that such a spirit should gain 
 ascendency is a menace to our civilization. Civiliza- 
 tion must work its way to law and righteousness." 
 
 A voice heard — "Suppose there should be delays 
 of the court, would you have the innocent suflfer or 
 the criminal escape?" 
 
 Joan answered, "This question must be taken by 
 lawyers and arranged so that there could be a court 
 
THE VOICES 217 
 
 to be in session all the time; but under no circum- 
 stances should a violation of the law be permitted. 
 Our government should not only be able to control 
 mobs, but to punish the guilty. The government has 
 the power and should enforce it. Our Constitution 
 is our pride, philosopher and friend. No one can 
 take the law into his own hands; if allowed it would 
 result in anarchy. Anarchists want no government. 
 By allowing our passions to govern us, we would 
 eventually not only drift into a multitude of sins 
 against our soul, but against our Constitution, upon 
 which our liberties rest — and so, my friends, I hope 
 I have reached the right spot, to love our Country, 
 its institutions, its freedom, its doctrines, its liberty, 
 its justice. Everyone is equal before the law, irre- 
 spective of race, color or religion. 
 
 After the applause, a man rose and asked, "How 
 about the Packers; are they to go scot free?" 
 
 "By no means," said Joan. "They should be 
 given a fair investigation, and if they are found to 
 be violating laws, they should be punished. If a 
 law is not just, it should be repealed, and if not the 
 packers and the workmen and all have your remedy — 
 the Ballot box, and you must abide by that." 
 
 After singing "America, My Country Tis of Thee, 
 Sweet Land of Liberty," with good music arid with 
 good singing voices, the audience, after some intro- 
 ductions to Joan, dispersed. 
 
 Joan was scarcely surprised to find Applegate at 
 the exit waiting for her. 
 
 "You here again — been in the hall, I suppose?" 
 
 "No use now for you to ask such a question, Joan 
 
 dear, for you know my resolve — therefore walk 
 
 quietly by my side and talk to me about your work 
 
218 THE VOICES 
 
 and when you will lay it down and cast your lot 
 with me, your true and devoted lover." 
 
 "And have I not told you, time and time again, 
 that I shall never marry. I have work to accomplish. 
 My voices will tell me, I am sure, very soon what that 
 work for my country is. My work is my mission to 
 help save my country from internal dissension — it is 
 menaced." 
 
 "Now, Joan dear, before Diana's marriage, it was 
 very well for you to endeavor to have a sustaining 
 belief in those voices, but now you have something 
 else to lean upon; a healthy arm to sustain you, be- 
 cause more real and — " 
 
 "And what, Mr. Torby?" 
 
 "You know, do you not, whose arm that is?" 
 
 "That has not been revealed to me, because of no 
 importance." 
 
 "My arm, Joan, a good strong, healthy arm, be- 
 lieve me." 
 
 "I do not require support, consequently do not 
 take it." 
 
 "You must, Joan, you must remember there is a 
 beginning and an end to everything." 
 
 "Not to certain things." 
 
 "My love, for instance!" 
 
 "I know nothing of it; I am absorbed in my own 
 thoughts and my own work." 
 
 "You simply stagger me with your tenacious dis- 
 position — not moving an inch — I am growing weary." 
 
 "I hope so." 
 
 "A foolish hope." 
 
 "I am sorry, I thought you were interested in the 
 plant." 
 
THE VOICES 219 
 
 "So I am, and in all other plants with their sym- 
 pathetic strikes, etc." 
 
 "Times are serious," said Joan. 
 "Therefore marry me and let us work together — a 
 true partnership — Come, Joan, come." 
 
 "Certainly not. The more troublesome and seri- 
 ous the times, the more necessary it is and will be 
 to don my armor and go to work. I respond to the 
 call, and. Oh ! how eagerly I am waiting for the call — 
 * go further and teach salvation.' " 
 
 "Salvation, Joan?" 
 
 "Salvation for my country," cried Joan with a 
 flush on her face. 
 
 "You are an icicle, Joan dear, but summer tnust 
 come." 
 
 "Heat does not affect me." 
 
 "Nothing affects you apparently," said Apple- 
 gate angrily. 
 
 "Nothing but my voices — they guide; my mission 
 will be given me through them ; so shall I not obey ?" 
 And Joan looked up with all the assurance that faith 
 can give. 
 
 "I am sorry and I cannot understand how you can 
 see untouched one who loves you in distress." 
 
 "I am not to blame for your distress, therefore 
 cannot distress myself for your distress." 
 
 "I am sure that if you would listen to your voices 
 they would say marry, marry." 
 
 "You did not abide by your contract, so do not 
 speak of marriage again." 
 
 "But am I not proving to you by every act of 
 my life — in many ways detrimental to my interests — 
 that I place you far above everything material?" 
 
 "You must not do that. At the same time it is 
 
220 THE VOICES 
 
 entirely unnecessary as my wants seem to be all 
 attended to." 
 
 "Well, I can in a way understand that one so 
 gifted as you are will find friends everywhere and 
 ever ready to anticipate your wants, but that does 
 not prove that I am not casting everything to the 
 winds for you." 
 
 "Do not do it; I advise, I warn you," said Joan 
 calmly and coolly. 
 
 "I shall continue to devote my life to you and 
 worship you." 
 
 "Do not do that, I beg of you, for the sake of 
 your father." 
 
 "Formerly it was to go to Diana, and now that 
 Diana is safely and happily married, now you put 
 my father on the screen — can you not do a little bet- 
 ter than that?" 
 
 "It is the truth." 
 
 "Find something more plausible, dear Joan." 
 
 "What I have said is the sincerity of truth, and 
 as I am at my hotel, I must bid you good night," 
 and Applegate was left with his own thoughts. 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 "Father, Joan is improving wonderfully and she 
 is more and more convincing every time she speaks. 
 Her faith will certainly bring reward. Her words 
 cannot be refuted; she believes — that is all and that 
 is everything. Yes, she believes that she will be 
 guided into doing something great for this unsettled 
 land. Would it not be amazingly great if her hopes 
 were realized?" 
 
 "Applegate, a disreputable microbe is working in 
 you, carried over from your adviser and that girl 
 
 . And you are really being converted by that 
 
 girl Joan's cant that this country will soon settle 
 down to a state of peace and prosperity as in those 
 halcyon days of yore. And you?" hesitatingly. 
 
 "I understand the needs of men of all classes bet- 
 ter now than before. To relieve all pressure, it is 
 necessary to distribute things in the right way and 
 increase wages to a reasonable degree." 
 
 "Stop right there one moment. You need not 
 hurry about wages — that has not come up yet, so 
 why are you meddling with things unasked? A lit- 
 tle more prudence." 
 
 "Well," said Applegate in a fatigued way, "what 
 further methods do you propose?" 
 
 "Encouraging a better feeling between employer 
 and employee, discouraging demagogues around the 
 place, and keeping order," said Torby, Senior. 
 
 "Peace and smiling plenty will soon shine down 
 upon us with a better world for all the sacrifices 
 made." 
 
222 THE VOICES 
 
 "Apparently the more concessions that are made 
 the more will be demanded, and — " 
 
 "Problems will be solved, and Joan will do it," 
 added Applegate, promptly. 
 
 "Applegate, when she performs that miracle, I 
 shall come to the wedding." 
 
 "Father, she is God's child. She will save the 
 Republic from the menace of anarchy." 
 
 "I do not think it necessary to bring out my 
 check-book yet for a wedding present," said Torby, 
 Senior, laughingly. 
 
 "Do not jest, father; it is a sacred subject." 
 
 "Amen! So be it." 
 
 "Another inexplicable thing to me," said Apple- 
 gate, "is this constant cry for more population and 
 no food and no work for a big majority of workers 
 today — unorganized labor — all over the world." 
 
 "You asked that question before. The answer of 
 the Old World would be to decimate them by war!" 
 
 "I suppose so, for God only knows," returned 
 Applegate. 
 
 As his father went out, Applegate thought of 
 the modest girl going out into the world exposed 
 to temptation, avoiding everything, thinking of noth- 
 ing but her mission. Father, lover, home, situation — 
 all lost in the faith that God was protecting her! 
 Has not God sent an agent? God was assisting in 
 the work! It was provided for her. 
 
 But Applegate would not allow himself to feed 
 upon gloomy thoughts that would be doubting Joan's 
 mission. 
 
 "Hello, hello! Congressman Hardwick and Mrs. 
 Hardwick," as Mr. and Mrs. Hardwick were an- 
 nounced, said Applegate, rising from his chair. 
 
THE VOICES 223 
 
 "Mrs. Wittington Hardwick," said the Congress- 
 man, "allow me to introduce you to Mr. Applegate 
 Torby." 
 
 "Charmed to have the pleasure of renewing the 
 acquaintance of Mrs. Wotton, now Mrs. Wittington 
 Hardwick. It is delightful to have people make 
 changes sometimes," said Applegate. 
 
 Mrs. Hardwick gave him a radiant smile, with- 
 out words. 
 
 "This is one of the agreeable changes, nicely, 
 wisely, done. I think you both stand in order for 
 congratulations." 
 
 "Well, Mr. Torby—" 
 
 "Now, Mr. Hardwick, let me have the floor; oth- 
 erwise I shall have to advocate my privilege," said 
 Mrs. Hardwick. 
 
 "Precedence, Mrs. Hardwick, on all occasions — 
 Margaret, my pearl, which your name indicates." 
 
 "I have really come to fulfill a promise — a duty — 
 to talk about Peter Lynn and the girl, Mayme Mort." 
 
 "Oh!" said Applegate, "the young girl has been 
 here and I think Peter cannot be in better hands, 
 though I — your kind thought is to be appreciated. I 
 think all his wants have been supplied." 
 
 "I intend making the rounds with Mrs. Hard- 
 wick and relieve as much destitution as possible," 
 said Hardwick. 
 
 "I read that Mrs. Hardwick has been royal in 
 her donation for a summer home for poor children 
 of San Francisco," said Applegate. 
 
 "Yes, the check is already deposited with a bank 
 here." 
 
 "Do you know. Congressman Hardwick, not to 
 be outdone by Senator and Mrs. Athelstane, you are 
 
224 THE VOICES 
 
 somewhat of a politician going around and feeling 
 the pulse of the people for the campaign of 1920?" 
 
 "Well, you know it is most advisable to call in 
 a physician once in a while to take temperature and 
 find out our state of health. I think it will be a 
 most exciting campaign, and I am going to have the 
 most astute — the most fascinating — the most engag- 
 ing assistant in the entire universe. I cannot say 
 more, Mrs. Hardwick." 
 
 "You are a wholesale flatterer. Do not pay any 
 attention to him, Mr. Torby," said Mrs. Hardwick. 
 
 "I should like to supplement that with a little 
 incense myself, if I knew how," said Applegate. 
 
 "Here comes that girl." And Mrs. Hardwick 
 looked pleased. 
 
 "How did you come in this way, Mayme?" spoke 
 Applegate. 
 
 "I left my cardcase home, Boss, and I am here. 
 Oh, my, here is the beautiful lady, too, that went 
 off on a surprise party!" 
 
 "Mayme, Mayme!" and Applegate looked at her 
 sharply. But Mayme continued in great glee: 
 
 "My good guy. Boss, went right away and bought 
 the necklace with the money you gave me for it — 
 fifty dollars — lots of money. He canna keep money — 
 it itches in his palm so. And I put it on right away, 
 Boss, for I was afraid if I didn't. Boss, he would 
 come and ask me for it and pawn it before night." 
 
 "Mayme, Mayme!" cried Applegate in despair. 
 
 "Well, you know my guy. Nothin' doin' now 
 but loafin'. Wants me to come in court and get 
 married right away — today — but I don't know what 
 to do. At another time I'd have a new dress — not 
 a gown, but a dress." 
 
THE VOICES 225 
 
 "Mayme, Mayme !" came the voice of Applegate. 
 
 "John is in the sulks now," continued Mayme, 
 "cause I don't want to. We both has vacations, too — 
 too much at one time." 
 
 "Now, Mayme," Mrs. Hardwick spoke, but Mayme 
 continued the even tenor of her way: 
 
 "It'd be my delight, thinkin' about colors and tell- 
 in' the girls about my finery and havin' a blowout, 
 and now, now this strike kills everythin'," continued 
 Mayme, whimpering. 
 
 "My good girl, come with me and I shall buy you 
 one of those ready-made dresses — all the colors of 
 the rainbow — you like, on condition that you marry 
 your lover at once, and then I shall help you with 
 your little home furnishing." 
 
 "Great! Lovely! At once? How can I?" in 
 despair. 
 
 "Why, child?" 
 
 "I'm tied up in a trust. Gawd, what will I do?" 
 
 "What trust, child?" 
 
 "You see," said Applegate," she promised Miss 
 Joan to take care of her father, Peter Lynn, and 
 keep her informed of his health, and she is keeping 
 her trust faithfully — a good girl. Here is a plan: 
 She can be married and live in the cottage with 
 her husband and Lynn and he can assist her in tak- 
 ing care of Peter." 
 
 "Admirable," answered Mrs. Hardwick. "And 
 when you give up your trust, you faithful girl, I 
 shall not forget to help furnish your home for you." 
 
 "Mrs. Hardwick may buy you the dress, Mayme, 
 but in regard to other things for the Lynn family, 
 please, Mrs. Hardwick, consider it my privilege." 
 
 "I shall not trespass, believe me." 
 
226 THE VOICES 
 
 "Now, Mrs. Hardwick, your ladyship — " 
 
 "No, dear — no ladyship here — do not forget." 
 
 "I cross my heart to die — no, to live — now I must 
 say what I mean. I believe I am that girl in fairy- 
 land—" 
 
 "Alice in Wonderland," corrected Mrs. Hardwick. 
 
 "Oh,- to be sure, I remember, but I am dreamin' 
 mebbe, so I'll pinch myself," which she did vio- 
 lently. "No, I'm awake — it hurts." 
 
 "Well, do not pinch yourself or get pinched any 
 more," laughed Mrs. Hardwick. 
 
 "Why, good lady, I never was pinched — I'm hon- 
 est, I am, I tell yer." 
 
 "I shall answer for that, Mayme. You are honest. 
 You are a jewel," said Applegate. 
 
 "Oh, Boss, you are soft — too good, I mean." 
 
 "Well, Mayme—" 
 
 "Now, Boss, what do you call Mrs. Hardwick?" 
 
 "Lady Bountiful." 
 
 "And the Senator, her husband?" 
 
 "Congressman Hardwick," corrected Mrs. Hard- 
 wick. 
 
 "I should like to call your husband President of 
 the United States. Wouldn't it be grand to say Pres- 
 ident Hardwick's wife is my good friend! She gave 
 me my weddin' dress and went with me to pick it 
 out! An' I'd have a stiff neck, and — " 
 
 "Is that you, Mayme, talking to your fairy god- 
 mother that way? Not to recognize your old friends? 
 I called you a jewel a moment ago — I shall have to 
 take that back if you do not say quickly what you 
 honestly mean," said Applegate. 
 
 "Now, Boss, you know what I mean. Some girls, 
 if they has a beau or a bright colored ribbon, they 
 
THE VOICES 227 
 
 can't tiirn their heads — the proud things! I hate 'em." 
 "Now," said Mrs. Hardwick, "if you are going to 
 be married this afternoon, you must be in good tem- 
 per on your wedding day. I am sure you should 
 feel sorry that the whole people of California cannot 
 be with you in your great joy." 
 
 "Of course I'm — I'd be willin', if you say so, to 
 share anything with 'em excepting John Esmond Am- 
 mon Kelly. He is rich in names, you see. I wouldn't 
 share him and not my pearl necklace — real pearls, 
 Boss, you said so, didn't you?" 
 
 "Mayme, I again call you a jewel !" 
 "Now, Mr. Hardwick, Mayme and I shall go and 
 seek the dress of many colors and the accessories." 
 "Cessories? What color is that, lady?" 
 "The other things going with a new dress." 
 "Don't tell John I asked that question. He has 
 pride and I promised him when our vacation is over 
 to go to school — night school — for it won't do in this 
 time to let a husband feel his wife is not up to him. 
 I'm going to get above him — that's what I'll be do- 
 ing — bet yer life I will." 
 
 "Go on your investigating tour, Mr. Hardwick, 
 and we shall go on our shopping tour. I shall meet 
 you here," said Mrs. Hardwick. 
 
 After a few hours Mayme and Mrs. Hardwick 
 returned — Mayme in her new finery. Mrs. Hard- 
 wick, by not letting her left hand know what her 
 right hand was doing, was enabled to have the pin- 
 ning and sewing done at once and had her arrayed 
 for her wedding. Applegate had communicated with 
 John, and with some additions to his wardrobe, he 
 made a very presentable groom. He pressed a fifty 
 dollar check into his hand and told him to make 
 
228 THE VOICES 
 
 Mayme happy, as she was a very good girl, and gave 
 him definite instructions about Lynn. And when 
 John and Mayme met, Kelly scarcely recognized 
 Mayme in her attire — dress, hat, gloves, shoes, coat, 
 all of a gay design. 
 
 "Mr. Torby," said John to Applegate, "I am com- 
 ing to think God knows what is best for us after all. 
 I have been lamenting my enforced vacation and 
 here it has brought me my greatest happiness. I 
 am deeply indebted to this gracious lady — " 
 
 "Mrs. Hardwick, the wife of Congressman Hard- 
 wick, and Congressman Hardwick," said Applegate. 
 John made one of his profound bows and said: 
 "I may be able to return it a bit some day. Congress- 
 man Hardwick, when you run for President." 
 
 Hardwick laughed heartily and said: "Thanks; 
 whenever I run I shall not forget your proffered aid." 
 
 "And, Mr. President—" 
 
 "Wait, wait, Mayme; the Congressman is not 
 nominated yet." 
 
 "Well," said Mayme, "what's to prevent me nom- 
 inating him? I'm American citizen with the vote in 
 me hand — California, San Francisco's vote ! Who's 
 there to tell me I shan't use it for me friends — that's 
 the girl I am. The Boss knows me, he does. I'd 
 die for the boss !" 
 
 "Now, Mayme, don't be so excited." 
 
 "Bout me friends? Of course I'm." 
 
 "Well, Mayme, the first thing I shall do after 
 marriage will be to train you." 
 
 "With a horsewhip, my man, I am going to learn 
 to fight like Japan J'e-jits, and then you'll be as 
 limber as — " 
 
THE VOICES 229 
 
 "Oh, jiu jitsu," corrected John. "And then what? 
 How Hmber shall I be?" 
 
 "A dishrag, my man, when I'm through with yer." 
 
 "Look here, Mayme, women must b'e quiet and 
 gentle, as Mrs. Hardwick and Joan," said Applegate. 
 
 "Oh, you are right, Boss; I am going to night 
 school." 
 
 "That is the training I intend to give you, Mayme 
 — an educational one," said John. "And in six months 
 you will teach me, you bet." 
 
 "Then you won't say yer bet, I bet," retorted 
 Mayme. 
 
 They were all convulsed with laughter when 
 Mayme asked : "Did you write to Miss Joan about 
 her father?" 
 
 "Indeed, Mayme, that was a duty I did not neg- 
 lect. You will find me a much better husband than 
 I look." ' ■ - ■■■^ ! 
 
 This endeavor to please mollified Mayme and led 
 her to exclaim: "I told them all, didn't I?" looking 
 around for the others to verify her statement, "what 
 a good looking guy you were, and I am glad and lift 
 up my head to know an' for them to know I am not 
 going to be mistaken that you are good natured, too.'' 
 
 "And now, let's be going to court, Mayme, after 
 again thanking our friends for their goodness — a prov- 
 idential vacation. I hope that we shall meet again 
 and that we may deserve your kindness." 
 
 "I wish, John, I could make a neat little speech 
 like that. I'll learn, I tell you, but I kiss my — no, 
 • Mrs. Hardwick's hands for her goodness and I make 
 a deep bow to the Boss and to the Congressman. I 
 hope they understand what my deep bow is intended 
 to mean. And now all say, God bless yer, go and 
 
230 THE VOICES 
 
 be happy evermore; then come back and go to your 
 duties and your trust. Amen." And John, taking 
 Mayme's hand, went off with her, while Mayme, look- 
 ing back every minute, wafted kisses to them. 
 
 "Well," said Hardwick, "they are appreciative, at 
 all events." 
 
 "And that girl," said Mrs. Hardwick, "is a pleas- 
 ure to meet. She is so simple, so genuinely honest 
 and good hearted as well as good natured." 
 
 "A combination of good qualities," said Applegate. 
 "Honesty and old-fashioned qualities are almost out 
 date." 
 
 "I hope they will come back in the same frame 
 of mind, with the same rosy views of life as we have, 
 not spoiled by fortune's gifts," said Hardwick in a 
 sententious manner. Then looking at Mrs. Hard- 
 wick, who had a quizzical look on her face, his grav- 
 ity overcame him and he gave way to suppressed 
 laughter, in which all three joined. 
 
 "And now," said Hardwick, "if it is your pleasure, 
 Mrs. Hardwick, we shall continue our special work 
 of investigation and come round again and see how 
 our friends are getting along in their new condition 
 of life." 
 
 And Applegate spoke : "I wish, dear friends, when 
 Miss Joan Lynn speaks on Labor, which is the next 
 lecture scheduled, that you will come with me to 
 hear her. She is extremely magnetic, inspired and 
 inspiring." 
 
 "We shall be pleased," answered Mrs. Hardwick, 
 looking at her husband. 
 
 "Margaret, your affirmative means mine, my fairy, 
 barring no previous engagement. Inform us in time." 
 
 In about an hour Mayme returned with a radiant 
 face and said to Applegate : "Mrs. John Esmond Am- 
 
THE VOICES 231 
 
 mon Kelly, if you please. We are spliced, and I told 
 John, honest I did, that having so many names, if 
 he wanted some other girl he could call himself one 
 of those middle names and no one would know it; 
 but if he ever did there would be a reckonin' day 
 with Mrs. John Esmond Ammon Kelly." 
 
 "Now, Mrs. Kelly, if you wish to be my friend, 
 or I yours, you must learn at once to talk in a strain 
 becoming — " 
 
 "Don't yer go along that corner, Mr. Torby, or 
 I'll fight yer." 
 
 "NowMayme, you know you promised me to be 
 nice, dear — and we couldn't find friends such as we 
 have every day in the year," said Kelly. 
 
 "Of course, we never could find 'em again. And 
 my pearls. Boss, real ones, I hold on to 'em, and I 
 said if that guy asks John for a pearl for him mar- 
 rying us, I'll say 'No,' they are mine and a present 
 from my Boss, Applegate Torby, Vice-Director or 
 Vice-Manager of the New Construction Iron and 
 Steel Plant. That would be an eye-opener and a 
 crusher, wouldn't it? Well, he eyed them, but I kept 
 my hand with my gloves on 'em, and here they are. 
 And now. Boss, I am going to run home to Peter 
 Lynn, my trust, and you will see how the trust will 
 be a trust; and, Boss, don't flare up if I say what 
 cuts you. I don't mean to do it; but I say. Boss, 
 if I pray you and Miss Lynn will soon be as happy 
 as we is — my John and I," and Mayme vanished, and 
 John said: "Excuse Mayme, Mr. Torby; she has a 
 good heart and will soon leave off those vulgarisms 
 in her language." 
 
 "God bless you both," said Applegate as Kelly left. 
 
 Then with a heavy heart, he laid his head on his 
 desk. 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Joan, with renewed courage through her voices, 
 and encouraged by her audiences and the daily prog- 
 ress she was making, owning to her personal mag- 
 netism, had scheduled to speak on Labor. So she 
 was anxious to speak in San Francisco, the metrop- 
 olis of the Pacific Coast, because strikes and sympa- 
 thetic strikes had occurred in this city as well as 
 many other cities and towns of America, accompan- 
 ied, it is reported, by manifestations of violation of 
 existing laws. Joan's manager, through Applegate 
 Torby, secured the Civic Auditorium, and again prom- 
 inent men and women were on the platform. Among 
 them were Senator and Mrs. Athelstane, Congressman 
 and Mrs. Hardwick, Mr. Charles Torby and Mr. Harry 
 Ashton. Applegate Torby sat in the rear, where he 
 could have Joan under his observation. But Joan, be- 
 ing in the front on the platform, was not aware of 
 his presence. 
 
 Diana said to Athelstane: "Algernon, I am glad 
 we have come to hear that foolish girl with a mis- 
 sion, who, though a university girl, has lived all her 
 life with labor people and who no doubt has radical 
 ideas. No, I would not have remained away for a 
 copper mine." 
 
 "You are too prodigal," returned Athelstane, with 
 a look of love concentrated on his imperial spouse. 
 "With my mission it may be well to listen. I may 
 hear some current talk that might be valuable." 
 
 "Your words are a reproach," answered Diana, 
 haughtily. 
 
THE VOICES 233 
 
 "No, my queen, I would not have you different 
 irom what you are, but the greatest wisdom, like 
 metals, must be tempered before used. And you know 
 what I want for you more than myself." And Diana's 
 face relaxed and recovered its serenity, for his and 
 her ambition were on the same plane : "I to be Presi- 
 dent of these United States, a greater power than 
 possessed by any king today, and you to be the first 
 lady of the land," said Athelstane. 
 
 "And for the world's betterment," said Diana. 
 
 "To be sure, and incidentally not bad for us," 
 added Athelstane. 
 
 Joan felt herself lifted on wings by the large audi- 
 ence, which exceeded her most sanguine expectations. 
 
 The girl with the voices — a disciple, or possibly a 
 reincarnation of Jeanne d'Arc, the Maid of Donremy, 
 made many eager to come who otherwise might not 
 have done so. 
 
 "Joan, who knew that the less formality observed 
 at these meetings, the better — more an open forum — 
 did not require the speakers from the audience to re- 
 ceive recognition from the chair. After being intro- 
 duced by the chairman of the evening, Joan arose 
 and began : 
 
 "Fellow citizens, of all the difficult problems that 
 have come up since America's participation in the 
 war, and especially since the armistice, is the labor 
 question. Labor has good reason to congratulate 
 itself on the unusual strides it has made in every di- 
 rection. It is now one of the largest industrial or- 
 ganizations on earth, and it has done exceedingly well 
 to better its conditions." 
 
 These words created great enthusiasm. 
 
 A man arose in the audience and said: "It should 
 
234 THE VOICES 
 
 be made much better. Labor should have more 
 power." 
 
 "You are quite right," replied Joan, "to take all 
 you can in a legitimate way." 
 
 Senator Athelstane: "Madam Chairman, you are 
 already in deep waters." 
 
 "Thanks, Senator, for your kindness, but I think 
 I shall be able to reach the shore." 
 
 "Now, dear friends," said Joan, "I trust you will 
 give me a few moments of your attention. Employ- 
 ers, wherever they may be, make contracts and must 
 abide by them, or go into bankruptcy ; but employees 
 do not always abide by their contracts. During the 
 war the unions did splendid work and their patriotism 
 was not questioned — their work was appreciated. 
 Now, remember, during the war you workers remain- 
 ed at home with your families, at your usual voca- 
 cation, whereas 'Our Boys' went overseas, far away 
 from their loved ones, to fight in trenches — some to 
 be buried there. They did it willingly, gladly, too. 
 Indeed it was almost impossible to keep boys of 
 tender age at home, so eager were they to show their 
 mettle when their — our — country was in danger, and 
 to suppress the imperialism of the Kaiser." 
 
 "True, true," said several, rising. 
 
 "But we must have a living wage," said several 
 others, rising. 
 
 "Yes," replied Joan, "there should be a minimum 
 wage for all workers and eight hours should consti- 
 tute a day's work — eight hours for sleep and eight 
 hours for recreation. But if you have contracts you 
 must abide by them, and I sincerely believe, as I have 
 said in all my talks, that it would be a reflection on 
 the unions to say they did not wish to assume re- 
 
THE VOICES 235 
 
 sponsibilities and obligations, whether moral or legal. 
 If you wish to strike, strike; that is your privilege, 
 but when you prevent others from taking your places 
 by picketing or intimidation, you are encroaching upon 
 the rights of others in violation of the Constitution 
 of our Government, that glorious document, the Con- 
 stitution, for which our forefathers fought and bled. 
 The Constitution says, 'The Government shall be by 
 the consent of the governed and the inalienable right 
 in the pursuit of happiness,' which you deny others 
 to have if you prevent them from working. Now, 
 brothers, do you not see that you wish to take from 
 others that very liberty for which you are fighting — 
 keeping out starving millions? It is against democ- 
 racy and, to my understanding, through my voices, 
 it would bring a submerged class to desperation, the 
 world over. Idleness brings poverty, unrest, and 
 leads to anarchy." 
 
 "Talking about wages," said one, "take doctors. 
 What exorbitant wages they receive for a few hours' 
 work!" 
 
 "True. Engineers, lawyers and doctors, all pro- 
 fessional men, especially doctors, who have to go to 
 study at universities and in hospitals eight years or 
 more before they are ready to practice. They must 
 give up all these years of their lives and deprive 
 themselves of many pleasures and be supported at 
 great expense by their parents or families, or work 
 their way through their years of study by menial ser- 
 vices. The large fees you refer to are only paid by 
 the rich. The poor cannot and do not pay them — 
 there are public hospitals for them, and should be. 
 So you see, the doctors must pay for books, instru- 
 ments, etc., which cost enormous. The doctors de- 
 
236 THE VOICES 
 
 serve what they ask for, unless they are incompetent, 
 quacks or taking advantage of the wealthy. Now, 
 you will note that while a professional man's educa- 
 tion costs money, your very apprentices are paid — 
 a difference between occupations. How many work- 
 men present here tonight will give up their occu- 
 pation to be a doctor or a professional man?" 
 
 They all remained seated. Joan said: "You have 
 your answer. Why? The laborer is worthy of his 
 hire and all capable workers deserve good wages, 
 which is more or less dependent upon supply and 
 demand." 
 
 "And what about the packers?" said another. 
 
 "As for corporations, munitions, steel, shipbuild- 
 ing, packers, etc., etc., etc., if they act in violation 
 of the law, they must be punished — all must conform 
 to the law, and order must be preserved. The Gov- 
 ernment is and must be the dominant power. To in- 
 fringe upon laws with impunity imperils the stabil- 
 ity of a republic. You, my fellow workers, have the 
 ballot; that is your weapon — the bulwark of the na- 
 tion. So encourage unions, have as many as you can. 
 The Constitution of the United States of America 
 offers you political power, but you cannot have the 
 dominant power unless elected to it by the free will 
 of the people; otherwise anarchy will follow. Our 
 Government is a benign government, and if the peo- 
 ple will only follow the Constitution all problems can 
 be solved. Why not, with your own skillful hands, 
 and many of them, start factories of your own, with 
 your own plans and your own ideas and your own 
 money? If this strife between labor and capital con- 
 tinues, there will be no bread for anyone to eat. It 
 is the combined forces that give work as well as lib- 
 
THE VOICES 237 
 
 erty. Without individual effort, the brain would stag- 
 nate and industries be paralyzed — man would be re- 
 duced to his primitive condition, looking for berries 
 growing wild, and apples on trees, if he could find 
 them. Even the wild flowers might fail. There 
 would be no exotics and honey for the bee workers, 
 winter would be lost, and there would be no work for 
 the workers. Capital, labor and brains are a combi- 
 nation which man cannot reject, because it is the 
 cog in the wheel." 
 
 A woman arose and said: "Labor is the cog. 
 Your brains and money would naught without hands 
 to build up." 
 
 Joan said: "I am not claiming anything, only tell- 
 ing facts, which speak for themselves. Labor can do 
 nothing alone, any more than capital can. Labor 
 and capital are mutually dependent — both sides must 
 assume obligations; otherwise it. would be lopsided 
 and its success would be short lived. And, as I said, 
 brain plays a big part. Inventions emanated from 
 brains; otherwise we, all of us, would be doing the 
 work of horses. Years ago a French writer, with a 
 big brain, said the centuries will not need muscle 
 and brawn, but brain. Look what brain has done in 
 machinery in every department of life — the automaton 
 steps in and does service. When the spinning jenny 
 was first introduced, labor thought all was lost, but 
 every invention has increased production, increased 
 wages and made the worker as well as the world 
 more comfortable — a benefit all around." 
 
 "Yes," spoke up another, "we are needed in all 
 this machinery." 
 
 "Yes; but I just told you if there were no in- 
 ventions, there would be no machinery, and if you 
 
238 THE VOICES 
 
 are the cog in the wheel, you know the seismic re- 
 sults from one little displacement in nature, cata- 
 clysms ensue, earthquakes and destruction, with no 
 power to remedy, yet today scientists are endeavor- 
 ing to avoid faults — earthquake faults; so they are 
 at work. And let me tell you, of all work, brain work 
 is the most taxing. So you must all be reconstruc- 
 tionists and aid in production. Work faithfully when 
 you work; assume your obligations and allow every- 
 one the liberty you desire for yourselves. You have 
 been, no doubt, unfairly dealt with at times, but this 
 is no reason why you should be unfair now. All 
 must be taught that this country is not only a de- 
 mocracy in words, but in deeds; then there will be 
 peacfe, harmony and liberty. If financiers rush the 
 world into war without being justifiable. Congress 
 is responsible, and if labor paralyzes industry, or 
 wishes to do so. Congress must intervene. No party 
 or organization or organizations must dominate the 
 Government. 
 
 "More than five hundred years before Christ, Solon 
 was considered one of the great statesmen of ancient 
 times. At the beginning of the sixth century, the 
 free laborers — they had been slaves — and small land- 
 holders were in great distress; they had little money 
 and the cost of living was increasing. The small 
 landlords had to mortgage their property to the large 
 landholders and capitalists, and the free laborers 
 mortgaged their person. So he met conditions by 
 an enactment called 'the Seisachtheia,' or shaking off 
 of burdens, which relieved them of all debts and pro- 
 vided that henceforth no debtors should be enslaved. 
 He imposed penalties on extravagance and idleness 
 and gave man the liberty of disposing of his property 
 
THE VOICES 239 
 
 by will if he had no children. This was no democ- 
 racy, and it ended then, as all such governments do 
 today, in despotism under the tyrant Pisistratus." 
 
 "So debtors were enslaved at that time?" queried 
 a voice in the audience. 
 
 "Yes; and it was considered a great rise in a 
 man's position to be a free laborer. Of course," con- 
 tinued Joan, "it must not be forgotten that labor and 
 capital are interwoven in every thread of the world's 
 history; in fact, life is interwoven with the soil, and 
 we are all dependent upon one another. Man cannot 
 escape it. My slogan is, 'Work for our America ; give 
 food to our children; provide lunches for the needy 
 school children; do not impose unnecessary burdens 
 of work or deprivations on children ; teach them econ- 
 omy, thrift, love of order, love of home, which parents 
 should encourage; respect for elders, and, of course, 
 love of country, so they will become good citizens and 
 loyal Americans. All adopted citizens, as well as na- 
 tive born, owe allegiance only to the country they 
 live in — the country which gives us protection as well 
 as the greatest liberty that can be obtained under any 
 government. Equal rights to all — unions and non- 
 unions, organized or unorganized labor. Banks and 
 corporations must not be dominant, but our Govern- 
 ment first and last." 
 
 And when the crowd dispersed after introductions, 
 Diana said to Athelstane: "She is a dangerous 
 woman." 
 
 "She is in earnest," said Athelstane, "but what 
 she wants I do not know; but believe me, she has 
 something startling. I believe she knows what she 
 wants — she is simply preparing the way." 
 
 "Do you really think so?" 
 
240 THE VOICES 
 
 "Yes; well, we must wait. I think I caught a 
 sight of Applegate Torby in the rear." 
 
 "Well, I hope he will get his lady-love," said 
 Diana, in a piquant way. 
 
 "Let him marry whom he will. I care not as 
 long as you are off the list." 
 
 "Ah!" said Diana, "I shall always be off." 
 
 "Yes, I hope so ; but in another list — the first lady 
 of the land !" 
 
 "I enter that list and shall aid you to the extent 
 of my power to attain what the world covets." And 
 there was a ring in her voice which caused Athel- 
 stane to press her hand and say, "Not so loud, not 
 so loud." 
 
 Congressman and Mrs. Hardwick, as they were 
 going out, spoke words of praise to Joan, which made 
 her face glow with pleasure. 
 
 "May we take you home?" said Mrs. Hardwick. 
 
 Before Joan could reply Applegate Torby appear- 
 ed and said: "Joan and I will walk home together to 
 the hotel. Thanks so much for your kindly thought." 
 And Applegate looked at Mrs. Hardwick appreci- 
 atively. 
 
 As soon as the Hardwicks were out of hearing, 
 Joan said, reproachfully: "How can you persecute 
 me in this way? I cannot see any devotion in your 
 annoying conduct. I am afraid that I shall deeply 
 offend you some time; that my control will leave 
 me. You must not tax me too far." 
 
 "Now, Joan, I, too, am becoming fatigued — very 
 weary of this continual chasing." 
 
 "Well, did I not tell you, you did not abide by 
 your contract with Diana? Who can have faith in 
 
THE VOICES 241 
 
 anyone who violates contracts? And, anyway, I am 
 
 wedded to my work." 
 
 "Can you not attend to that — infernal work, I was 
 
 going to say. As you have not said how, what, when 
 
 or where your work for our peace, our salvation is, 
 
 how can I be in sympathy with that work unless I 
 
 know what it is, and — " 
 
 Joan commenced to walk briskly. 
 "Not so fast, young lady; I might wish to talk." 
 "Since when do you assume such right to com- 
 mand my actions, Mr. Torby — since when?" asked 
 
 Joan, brusquely. 
 
 "From the time I gave up Diana." 
 
 "I suppose that — " 
 
 "I wish nothing but your own dear self, Joan 
 
 dear, and you know it." 
 
 "Yes; and taunt me with your losses, no doubt." 
 "Joan, how can you speak in that manner?" 
 "Yes, I can do more — I am consecrated to my 
 
 work." 
 
 "I simply shall not allow you." 
 
 "Master! Do not waste your threats." 
 
 "They shall not be wasted, I assure you." 
 
 "No! So, so!" 
 
 "I shall follow you to the platform and sit by 
 
 your side and show to the — " 
 "What?" replied Joan, angrily. 
 "That I am devoted to you heart and soul." 
 "That would show nothing on my part, because I 
 
 would not allow your presence to disturb me, but 
 
 simply talk and talk." 
 
 "Like all women — you must have the last word." 
 "I wish no words at all. I simply obey my voices, 
 
 my God's commands." 
 
242 THE VOICES 
 
 "Dear, dear!" 
 
 "One cannot do less than obey the call and one 
 cannot do more." 
 
 "My head aches. This tension will enervate my 
 system. You make me a complete wreck," said Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
 "Go home, Mr. Torby; you need a rest. Then 
 you will view things in my light. I am at the door. 
 Good night. Rest, Mr. Torby. Good night." And 
 the door closed on Joan in the hotel. 
 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 "A rousing speech Joan made last night. She will 
 be the world's champion, I am sure," said Applegate 
 to his father next morning, with a flush of pleasure 
 on his face. "She is the reincarnation of Joan of Arc 
 and will save our Republic from this unrest — this 
 tendency to anarchy which, like a boa constrictor, 
 would strangle our America in its grasp." 
 
 "To tell you the truth," returned Mr. Torby, Sen- 
 ior, "if her next talk will be as good as the one last 
 night, or if she thinks her voices — " 
 
 "They live in her mind, anyway," interrupted Ap- 
 plegate. 
 
 "I believe she will make a convert of Ashton to 
 her theories, whatever they may ultimately be, and 
 that would be a great thing, for he has a good mind 
 and will not say yes to anything unless he under- 
 stands it thoroughly. Then he is very tenacious of 
 his views." 
 
 '"I hope so. I intend to follow Joan if she will 
 allow me; or if not, follow her anyway." 
 
 "Not so fast, my boy. Athelstane and Diana have 
 their own prisms, but Ashton is Ashton. It will de- 
 pend, of course, altogether what her panacea is. When 
 I think of it again coolly, I am wrong to say what- 
 ever her voices will ultimately tell her. The question 
 is, what will they tell her. So do not dwell upon 
 what will be, but what existing conditions are. Then 
 the light to see the way may come. I am off, and 
 you shake off that lethargy. It is time, my boy." 
 
 "Mr. Torby, so glad you will see us," said Con- 
 
244 THE VOICES 
 
 gressman Hardwick as he and his wife entered Ap- 
 plegate's office. "We were just delighted with Miss 
 Lynn last night," said Mrs. Hardwick. "Her poise, 
 her even temper and her faith in herself cannot fail 
 to impress others. We hope before we leave for 
 Washington," glancing at her husband, "which may- 
 be weeks or more yet, to hear her on her panacea 
 for unrest." 
 
 "Yes, indeed; a wonderful girl," said Mr. Hard- 
 wick, "and we called on the way to see her father, 
 who is very ill. He seems to be suffering under a 
 depression, something fearful to realize. Our friend, 
 Mr. John Esmond Ammon Kelly, and his worse half," 
 with a smiling look at the Congressman, "make every 
 effort in vain to rouse him into hope. He is a man, 
 Mayme says, who is accustomed to independence, 
 even if that independence gives him bread only. The 
 sympathetic strike, no work, assessments and the loss 
 of his daughter, affect him beyond words. 
 
 "Peter Lynn repudiated his daughter when she 
 resigned from the unions," said Applegate. "How- 
 ever that may be, I fear for the loss of his reason 
 and I am deeply interested in him now." 
 
 "Supposing," said Congressman Hardwick, "as 
 Mrs. Hardwick and I have some few things to attend 
 to, we return in about an hour and let us all three 
 go and see what can be done for Mr. Lynn." 
 
 In the meantime Joan heard from Mayme through 
 Kelly about her father, and rushed into the cottage a 
 few moments after Mr. and Mrs. Hardwick had called 
 to see Applegate, and said: "Oh, Mayme, where is 
 father and' how is father?" 
 
 "Mrs. John Esmond Ammon Kelly, if you please." 
 Mayme had already informed Joan through Kelly of 
 
THE VOICES 245 
 
 her marriage and all about Mrs. Hardwick's kind- 
 ness, so she continued : "Mr. Kelly, if you please," 
 and dragged her six-footer, already considerably 
 tamed, forward to greet Joan. 
 
 "So glad to see you, young friends, steady and 
 true ; but, oh, so anxious about father." 
 
 "Yes," said Mayme, "he seems pretty well done 
 up." 
 
 "Dear father cannot bear the loss of his independ- 
 ence — this sympathetic strike. It is the last straw 
 on the camel's back that has done its work." 
 
 "Your father has been supplied with every lux- 
 ury," said Kelly. 
 
 "Yes, he has had every luxus," said Mayme — 
 "doctors, medicines — and he wanted me to have a 
 nurse for him. I says to him, 'Sir, John wants to 
 marry me and we'll both settle down in the cottage 
 and nurse him.' And that man was a happy man to 
 have us do it and he gave me a pearl necklace, real 
 ones, cost fifty dollars, so they must be true ones; 
 but he says to me, 'I love that girl and will do any- 
 thing and everything for her — steal, rob, murder, cut 
 throats. You be good to Lynn. Make him look up 
 and see the sun for my girl's sake and if that girl 
 don't marry me, I'll suicide myself and her too,' " 
 and Mayme, having delivered this oration to her sat- 
 isfaction, looked gloomy and sad with a tear in her 
 eyes. 
 
 "Who is the man and the friend?" said Joan, in a 
 terrified voice. 
 
 "Why, can't you guess?" said Mayme, taken en- 
 tirely off her guard. "Put yer thinkin' cap on." 
 
 "Well, well, tell me," said Joan. 
 
 "The same man who got your halls for yer; got 
 
246 THE VOICES 
 
 yer manager for yer; made things easy for yer as 
 yer went along preachin'. Did you think those things 
 jumped up over night like some fairy tales — ^Jack 
 and the Beanstalk — and paid fifty dollars for pearls, 
 for my pearls, because I was so good to my trust? 
 I wear the pearls all day and you see with a piece 
 of cambric sou'd all around and hide them of night, 
 afraid John might take 'em. No, no; John forgive 
 me. I didn't mean that — it — I tell yer. No magics 
 about yer help." 
 
 "Who is the man?" said Joan weakly. 
 
 "The young Boss, to be sure. Who else could — 
 should it be? Yer're a fool, Miss, Joan, even if yer 
 have voices. Your voices don't tell everything." 
 
 "Oh, Mayme, what have you done?" said Joan, 
 as she sank into a chair. 
 
 "Oh, John, John, the Boss said I shouldn't tell, 
 and there now I gonna and did it. What'U I do with 
 me tongue?" 
 
 "Keep your mouth closed and your tongue be- 
 tween your teeth, as I have often told you. You talk, 
 dear, without thinking. Now what will the young 
 Boss do?" said John. 
 
 "John, I won't give up my necklace. I won't! I 
 won't !" 
 
 "Don't be so excited, Mayme. I shall not let him 
 know," said Joan, as she felt the sweet emotion that 
 probably Applegate loved her, as she knew deep down 
 in the recesses of her heart that no other man could 
 ever have a hold on her affections. 
 
 "You see pearls, when the rags are off, true pearls 
 whiten the neck and mine is white by nature, too. 
 When I goes out o' nights with John and turn my 
 crusher back, the pearls look very pritty. I hear all 
 
THE VOICES 247 
 
 around the girls and guys says so," said Mayme. 
 
 "Now, do not fear," said Joan. Just do not let 
 him even think that I know. Will you, can you keep 
 that secret for me?" 
 
 "Cross my heart to die," said Mayme, making the 
 motions as she spoke. 
 
 "And Mr. Kelly?" and Joan looked at Kelly. 
 
 "Be assured. Miss Joan, it will not escape me." 
 
 "Now, let me see father alone, all alone. He 
 would never see me first before others. Even you, 
 good friends, cannot help me there. I must do my 
 work alone." 
 
 "Let us go for a walk, Mayme," said Kelly. 
 
 "My hat — I nearly said fur. I haven't one of those 
 very high pushers yet. 
 
 "I thought you said you had one?" said Joan. 
 
 "A shore little thing." 
 
 "Go, Mayme; you shall have one." 
 
 "We are off." And Mayme tripped away gaily, 
 knowing the fur would be forthcoming some way. 
 
 On the bed in the little bedroom lay Peter Lynn 
 with his eyes gazing upward. The bed was cleanly 
 kept. On a little table was a vase with fresh, green 
 leaves in it. There was a large, comfortable arm 
 chair and a lounge in the room; also a number of 
 comfortable adjuncts that seemed to ask for more 
 space. Everything indicated that money was not 
 lacking in the humble cottage, ■ and it was visible 
 that a woman's hand had arranged everything. It 
 was Mayme's loving care for her trust and Apple- 
 gate's money that did the purchasing. 
 
 Joan rushed forward impetuously, hoping to take 
 her father by storm, and cried: "Father, father, here 
 is your Joan. Time to be up. The lark has already 
 
248 THE VOICES 
 
 sung his morning song. Joan, Joan is here. She ran 
 away from her work to see you." 
 
 "Joan left me for her work. She'll never come 
 back. She is at work for her country," said Lynn. 
 
 "Here is Joan with plenty of work on hand and 
 more to come, but I can take care of you, too, father. 
 Look at me, father — the image of your dead wife." 
 
 "Yes, yes, yo're me chile, but — " 
 
 "It is you, my dead mother and my country, and 
 last but not least, it is the voice of God, to strike a 
 blow at anarchy so that it can never live in our be- 
 loved America, where a pure and just government 
 can only be with the consent of the governed." 
 
 "How do Mayme and John come here? They 
 have been here, are here, and very good to me, or 
 hav' I bin dreaming?" And he rubbed his hands 
 over his head and then over his eyes, which were 
 wet with tears. 
 
 "You see, father, I knew you would be lonely 
 without me, so I asked Mayme, who is good and 
 true at heart, to come around and attend to you a 
 little, and keep me informed about your health. So 
 when you were ill and had doctors — " 
 
 "Where are they and how will they be paid?" 
 said Peter, with an anxious look. "How, how?" 
 
 "There is money ready for them. Let us talk 
 of poor Mayme. She had to be married to John so 
 John could help her." 
 
 "And John's place?" 
 
 "His place, his place, to be sure" — a white lie is 
 pardonable sometimes. "I think that will be kept 
 for him. And now for your Joan." 
 
 "Will yer go away agin, heart o' hearts?" And 
 before Joan could conjure up another story to main- 
 
THE VOICES 249 
 
 tain the first one, he burst into tears and shouted: 
 "My chile, my chile, don't leave me — ^voices or no 
 voices. Stay with me, mission or no mission, unions 
 or no unions — stay." And his voice rang through the 
 cottage. "Don't yer let that young boss come. He 
 will take yer away. Take nothin' frpm him. Have 
 yer seen him lately? Heard from him?" 
 
 So more untruths had to come to the rescue, when 
 she boldly asserted she had not. At the same time 
 she blushed to think of the heavy debt she and her 
 father owed to Applegate and she wondered how she 
 could pay. True, she did stenographer's work all she 
 could, but it was all she could do to maintain herself. 
 
 When Mayme and John returned, they found the 
 father clasping his child close to his heart, as if he 
 would never part with her. 
 
 "Miss Joan," said Mayme, "on the road I seen 
 Congressman Hardwick and his lady and the young 
 Boss coming here, so I just run a bee line to get 
 here to tell yer." 
 
 "Well," said John, "here is a composing draught 
 the doctor left for him, to be used when laboring 
 under great excitement." 
 
 "Yes, now is the time for the medicin'. He is 
 working up and down now — gets rockin' himself, 
 then closin' his eyes." 
 
 After taking the sleeping portion with the assist- 
 ance of three of them, he was soon resting with the 
 quiet breathing of a little child. 
 
 Joan brushed away her tears and with her hand 
 on her heart went into Mayme's room and brushed 
 her hair, Mayme imploring her to tidy up for the 
 Boss. Then Mayme rushed to the kitchen and with 
 John's aid and much unfolding, it was soon converted 
 
250 THE VOICES 
 
 into a modest little living room, and on the table 
 was a bunch of red roses which Mrs. Hardwick had 
 brought on her visit. 
 
 And before Joan realized it, she was in that room, 
 inwardly trembling, but outwardly composed, 
 
 "My dear child," murmured Mrs. Hardwick, "what 
 a splendid effort last night! I was amazed at its 
 strength and logic. I am more than sorry that your 
 father is no better tonight, but you are such a good 
 daughter that I know your influence will soon have 
 a soothing effect, knowing how, if you did not come 
 one day, you would come the next, and here you are." 
 
 "Yes, surely," said Applegate, rather sheepishly. 
 
 "Indeed," said Hardwick, "I would not have miss- 
 ed your talk for money. So concise, so just, and so 
 to the point." 
 
 "I must say I was astonished at your way of hand- 
 ling the subjects," said Applegate. 
 
 "Were you there?" asked Joan, as her face turned 
 a shade paler. 
 
 "Was I there?" said Applegate, in a sort of ter- 
 ror. "Did I not walk home with you?" 
 
 "Pardon," said Joan, turning faint, "my father's 
 condition has so worked upon my nerves that I do 
 not know what I say or do, as I know my voices, 
 my work will compel me to leave again very soon, 
 but I shall watch over him from afar." 
 
 "Indeed, poor child!" Mrs. Hardwick said. "No 
 wonder you are confused in your bearings." 
 
 All felt the strain, so Mrs. Hardwick suggested 
 that as the day was very exciting to all, it would be 
 best for them to say good-night and come again to- 
 morrow. And so they left, much to the relief of Joan. 
 
 Mr. Hardwick, in speaking, was profuse in his ad- 
 
THE VOICES 251 
 
 miration for Joan. He said to Applegate that she 
 was charming, but high strung, as he could see ; there- 
 fore feared to suggest anything. 
 
 "You dear," turning to Mrs. Hardwick, "are the 
 most charming, fascinating, lovable woman in the 
 whole world, while Joan is only a woman in ten 
 thousand. Is that O. K., Mr. Torby?" 
 
 Applegate inwardly cursed himself for his laclf of 
 tact in not remaining a while longer with Joan and 
 making an attack upon her heart. Words deserted 
 him and he smiled grimly, as he could not venture 
 to return ; but when he thought of Joan again his 
 desire became irresistible. 
 
 After the visitors left, Joan wept bitterly to think 
 that for one moment she lost herself so completely 
 as to forget. Mrs. Hardwick's kind offer to take her 
 home the preceding night and Applegate's love and 
 devotion gave her a thrill when she saw this man 
 who had once insulted her so deeply. And she hated 
 herself to think that everything upon which she 
 prided herself was due to this man whom her father 
 disliked and distrusted. Her only satisfaction was 
 that the visions of her brain were the inspiration of 
 God which no one could buy and no one could touch. 
 So Joan lifted her head proudly, as if in defiance 
 of her indebtedness and of that emotion which had 
 leapt into her heart. And behold there was Applegate, 
 who grasped her cold hands and said : "Forgive those 
 words once said in passion. 'To err is human, to for- 
 give, divine.' Therefore say, 'Applegate, I forgive 
 you,' and I shall wait, wait until you say, 'Applegate, 
 I love you.' " 
 
 "Mr. Torby," replied Joan, "I must have my own 
 self-respect; even then I might not love you — you 
 
252 THE VOICES 
 
 know my voices must be followed. And I hate, hate 
 you," she added, vehemently, as if she wished to 
 pluck out the torture of her heart, which her love 
 for him caused her. And she rose and stood before 
 him coldly, with a crimson flush on her cheeks, and 
 cried out: "My love, Mr. Torby, is for my country." 
 
 And Applegate knew that for the time being it 
 would be in vain to entreat further, so he beat a tat- 
 too with his foot and said: "I love you too much to 
 pursue any purpose against your wishes ; you must 
 follow divine guidance in all things." 
 
 "And now you are beginning to have faith in me?" 
 asked Joan. 
 
 "I have always had that," returned Applegate. 
 
 "Oh, if I only knew who the kind friend is who 
 is doing so much for my poor father!" 
 
 "I shall tell him you appreciate it." 
 
 "How do you know him?" 
 
 Applegate made no answer. 
 
 Joan said : "I shall have to leave father in the care 
 of Mayme and John, as I shall be compelled to prepare 
 for my panacea meeting and work for it, too, as my 
 voices are giving me undeniable truths. These truths, 
 carried out, will give future peace to our beloved 
 America." And her face glowed with the fire of a 
 fanatic. The entrance of Mayme and John prevented 
 further embarrassment and agony to Appelgate, so 
 he left her with a short adieu, as Mayme's voice rang 
 out: "What will yer have nice to eat. Miss Joan? 
 And tell me something for Peter, as he needs cod- 
 dling and I am going to give it to 'im." 
 
 "Indeed, we shall try to do our best," said Kelly. 
 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 The audience that gathered to hear Joan, the girl 
 with the voices, on the Panacea for Unrest, was the 
 largest ever gathered in the Civic Auditorium in San 
 Francisco. Not only were there representative men 
 and women from all the suburban towns, but they 
 came from Sacramento, Stockton, Fresno, Chico, Los 
 Angeles and San Diego. On the densely crowded 
 platform were seated Mr. Harry Ashton, Diana and 
 Senator Athelstane, Congressman Hardwick and 
 Mrs. Hardwick, Charles Torby, Applegate Torby, and 
 many persons of distinction. 
 
 When singing the Star Spangled Banner to the 
 soul-stirring music, all arose to their feet, then sank 
 back like an immense wave. The chairman of the 
 evening introduced Joan in the simplest manner with 
 no desire to rob Jove of his thunderbolt. 
 
 Joan arose and said: "First of all, I wish to say 
 that some of you who have heard me before will 
 sometimes find recapitulation. Of course the talk 
 will be a little summary to show that my Panacea 
 for Unrest has been inspired by God and is founded 
 on prevailing conditions. So I trust you will pardon 
 repetitions and transgressions in that direction." 
 
 Joan continued: "Fellow citizens, I am more 
 than glad — I am happy — to greet this large audience 
 gathered here tonight, as I am inspired by God to 
 give you a definite plan which I and you and all of 
 us must follow to bring peace and harmony to Amer- 
 ica, not for a day, but, if acted upon, for all time. 
 
254 THE VOICES 
 
 Liberty is a great boon and 'eternal vigilance is the 
 price of liberty.' 
 
 "Man goes back for government to the patriarch- 
 ial tribes — to the family life. The tribal life spread 
 slowly as all evolution does. The primitive civiliza- 
 tion was in Asia; then it traveled to the Balkan Pen- 
 insula, then to Greece and Rome. On reading his- 
 tory we find in the second century A. D. in Rome 
 there was inaugurated a system of state socialism 
 where the unemployed were first given flour, then the 
 bread was baked for them ; then they were given 
 wine and work, and finally amusement. In the third 
 century in Rome there were five days of every seven 
 devoted to the stage, to the theatre, where the most 
 immodest plays were given to satisfy the vicious ele- 
 ment. Theie was no morality, and some writers go 
 so far as to say, where there is no incentive to labor, 
 there is no morality, and that labor, morality and re- 
 ligion go together. 
 
 "Labor organizations had their introduction in the 
 fifteenth century in diflferent parts of Europe. Then 
 came a growing reaction against the artisans and the 
 abandonment of the elective privilege. In a short 
 time the master workmen endeavored to exclude ap- 
 prentices, and finally the journeymen were selected 
 from the guilds and membership became hereditary in 
 the families of the masters. These memberships were 
 like a patent of nobility and naturally the stepping 
 stone to political life. The guilds, once so demo- 
 cratic, became exclusive fraternities and so autocratic 
 that they had genealogical trees, and to become mem- 
 bers the applicants were compelled to be of patrician 
 birth. These guilds organized corporations and ulti- 
 mately wrested a share in the government. The an- 
 
THE VOICES 255 
 
 tagonism between the nobles and plebians became so 
 strong and sharp that it paved the way for the estab- 
 lishment of tyranny for the workmen. Now, I am to 
 give America a new platform, which will embody all 
 the principles that our most liberal government can 
 give; for in it are the fundamentals of all liberty." 
 
 Cries of "The first article, the first article!" came 
 from all parts of the house. 
 
 "Now, I shall give you the first article and my 
 reasons for advocating it: 
 
 "'Article 1. An eight-year term for President, to 
 be made so by constitutional amendment in the regu- 
 lar manner of procedure. This amendment to provide 
 for his ineligibility for re-election as President at any 
 other time.' " 
 
 Some hurrahed, some were silent and some were 
 a bit aggressive. Joan remained silent. All at once 
 she was aroused out of herself by a storm of approval 
 so heavy from that vast throng that the very walls 
 seemed to shake. Joan, with pale cheeks, said: 
 
 "Now, my reasons are these: To be President 
 of the United States is the most exalted position in 
 the whole world. For many years and in all times, 
 especially when there are living issues at stake at 
 elections, the unrest becomes disturbing. Since the 
 war — the armistice, one might say — the political agi- 
 tation has become so great that the disturbances at 
 times become very serious. Of course, a four-year 
 term seems quite a long time when we think of the 
 short span of life and how many millions are wait- 
 ing for a chance to become a candidate. Even in this 
 age of the Brotherhood of Man and Equality, no one 
 seems in a hurry to illustrate by practical demonstra- 
 tion that ideal of brotherhood! At all events, no 
 
256 THE VOICES 
 
 sooner is a President seated and all the office-seekers 
 practically satisfied — it would be impossible to satisfy 
 all — than the agitation commences for the next term, 
 which disturbs commercial and labor conditions to 
 the detriment of peace, harmony, economic and in- 
 dustrial interests. Everything sufEeis. 
 
 "Our immortal Washington had two terms of four 
 years, and though^ pressed to serve again, steadily, but 
 resolutely refused another term. How wise he was! 
 How patriotic he was ! In recent years no sooner is 
 a President elected for a second term and offices dis- 
 tributed than a third term looms up and the country 
 is again in the throes of agitation, bordering on up- 
 heaval. Candidates for the third term, though at- 
 tempted by the most representative men of America, 
 have always been defeated. The only way to lay that 
 ghost beyond resurrection is the eight-year term, and 
 no more." 
 
 Again the house reverberated with applause. 
 When the applause subsided, Joan continued : 
 
 "The next article: 
 
 " 'Article 2. That the President shall be elected 
 by a direct vote of the people and not by electors. 
 Electoral votes are really not the full expression of 
 the people, as may be seen in several direct examples. 
 Senators, formerly elected through the legislatures, 
 are now elected by the direct vote of the people, 
 which is as should be, and so should a President be 
 elected by a direct vote. Now a President is elected 
 through electors whose reports are sent to the elec- 
 toral college. When Presidents were first elected the 
 State chose electors whose reports were sent to the 
 electoral college. When Presidents were first elected 
 the State chose electors who were expected and did 
 
THE VOICES 257 
 
 vote for a certain man for President. The thought 
 then was that as each Siate chose electors, the differ- 
 ent States would send representatives who would 
 vote for men best adapted to fill the exalted po- 
 sition of President. We now see the fallacy of 
 the electoral vote, as it does not represent the 
 popular ^ expression and frequently defeats its own 
 object. It also places Congress in a very embarrass- 
 ing position and frequently leads to the selection of a 
 man not intended by either party. Occasionally an 
 elector will vote for another man because the one 
 presented for President is antagonistic to him per- 
 sonally. You may also see that a President in office 
 for a term of eight years has nothing else to disturb 
 his vision but his work before him, and he can de- 
 vote his entire time, thoughts and energy to the in- 
 terests of the country and go down in history as a 
 good, bad, indifferent or great president, according 
 to his ability and conscientiousness. A President 
 elected does not always have the majority vote of 
 the popular vote. In 1824, Andrew Jackson had a 
 plurality vote of the popular vote of about 50,000 
 over John Quincy Adams and a plurality vote in the 
 electoral college, but he did not have a majority vote 
 over all the other candidates and he was defeated. 
 The choice then fell to the House of Representatives, 
 who elected John Quincy Adams. In 1876, Tilden, 
 the Democratic candidate, had a majority vote of 
 some 250,000 and still he lost the election by one vote 
 in the electoral college — ^that way not expressing the 
 will of the people. It led to disputes and Congress 
 was compelled to appoint an electoral commission, 
 which decided in favor of Hayes by one vote. In 
 1888 a similar contest came tip in the case of Benja- 
 
258 THE VOICES 
 
 min Harrison, the Republican candidate for President. 
 Grover Cleveland had a popular majority vote of 
 98,000. Is it justice? No, I answer, because it is 
 not a popular expression of the will of the people. 
 Cleveland ran three times for the Presidency and the 
 last time, when defeated, had a larger popular ma- 
 pority than when first elected. You will take note 
 that each State has the number of electors in propor- 
 tion to its number of Senators and Representatives in 
 Congress. The President to be elected must have 
 a majority vote over all candidates. In former 
 times the electors were chosen by the legislatures 
 and subsequently changed and elected by the peo- 
 ple. By using your own judgment, you can see 
 that the only way to prevent antagonism is to amend 
 the Constitution and to have the privilege and the 
 pleasure to vote for the man you wish at the polls — 
 the ballot, the bulwark of the nation.' " 
 
 "The next, the next!" were the cries heard all 
 over the house. 
 
 "We cannot contain ourselves in this wonderful 
 beginning." 
 
 "My mission is inspired by God's voices." 
 
 "Go on, go on! We are waiting." 
 
 "Well," continued Joan, "you know 'when the dogs 
 of war are set loose,' we shudder. We know that 
 there will be death of our loved ones and mourning 
 over the land. There will be destitution, barbarisms 
 and atrocities of unparalleled description. Owing to 
 scientific investigations and inventions, sufferings are 
 rendered more acute and destruction more appalling. 
 The right to declare war depends on Congress. We 
 know that our Congressmen and Senators are men of 
 wisdom and they deliberate long and well and found 
 
THE VOICES 259 
 
 that it was absolutely necessary to declare war when 
 the U-boats of the ex-Kaiser threatened our shores. 
 Now, listen, I am going to give you another shock. 
 I am for innovations. I am presenting to you two 
 amendments for our consideration." 
 
 "The first amendment, the first amendment Then 
 we can think of the second," came the words from 
 the house. 
 
 " 'Article 3. First Amendment. That Congress 
 shall only have the right to recommend war.' " 
 
 "Well, we see now," said several, "to act intelli- 
 gently we must know what the second amendment is." 
 
 "I thought so, too; cognate subjects. The sec- 
 ond amendment: 
 
 " 'Article 4. After the recommendation of Con- 
 gress to declare war, Congress shall call a special 
 election of all the people of the United States to 
 ratify or defeat the proposition by ballot. Thus war 
 will really be in the hands of the people. The call 
 of the people must be as speedily accomplished as 
 possible.' " 
 
 "I hate war," said many. 
 
 A man arose and said: "While I and others hail 
 with joy to have no war, still does not a danger lurk 
 in the proposal to wait for the ballot to decide if an 
 enemy were at the gate?" 
 
 Joan replied: "That may be provided for in the 
 following manner: A clause in the amendment: 'If 
 our shores are threatened, all available troops would 
 naturally then be put in action to resist invaders. In 
 the meantime every State shall, through its chief 
 executive, the Governor, have its quota ready to be 
 put in action if necessary.' That is ftot a declaration 
 of war at all, but simply to resist an invasion and in 
 
260 THE VOICES 
 
 that event I can give you positive assurance that 
 every man, woman and child — old women too — would 
 fight for our America. We should act according to 
 the policies of Washington and Monroe. We should 
 act always on the defensive and never on the of- 
 fensive." 
 
 "Indeed we should and would," they shouted. 
 
 "But the expense?" cried several. 
 
 "Please do not talk of expenses," returned Joan. 
 "One war vessel costs the Government more than 
 many such elections." 
 
 One said timidly: "Shall we think it over?"' 
 
 "By all means," said Joan, "but we must think 
 quickly so as to be ready for the 1920 campaign." 
 
 "I have thought it over already," said several, 
 "and I, and I, and I," they shouted. 
 
 "Madam Chairman," said a man, "I move that 
 the two amendments — first, that Congress shall if nec- 
 essary recommend war; and the second amendment, 
 to be empowered to call a special election to be rati- 
 fied or defeated by the people." 
 
 And before Joan could put the question, still less 
 tell them parliamentary rules would require that the 
 amendments be put separately, they shouted, "Pass- 
 ed!" And added, "No war, no war, save for the Na- 
 tional honor; then the women must shoulder mus- 
 kets." The women immediately rose to their feet in 
 a body and in a chorus said, "Yes, yes, we would 
 shoulder muskets." 
 
 And as the articles of the platform were not de- 
 signed to be passed as in a meeting, Joan answered: 
 "And they would. I answer for them as they do 
 themselves. Oh, I am so glad. My own heavenly 
 visions are flapping their wings around me. You 
 
THE VOICES 261 
 
 must, will, all be ready to participate in the campaign 
 of 1920, and remember popular voting — the ballot." 
 "The next, the next!" 
 
 Joan said : "This article should meet with general 
 favor: 'Article 5. A Protective Tariff.'" 
 
 "Tell us all about it,'' came from the audience, and 
 Joan continued: 
 
 "We should have a protective tariff on such manu- 
 factured articles as are produced more cheaply in for- 
 eign countries. This is necessary so that our factories 
 and. mills can operate and thus give employment to 
 our people; otherwise we would be flooded with 
 more cheaply made European goods; for, as living 
 conditions are better and wages are higher in this 
 country, it naturally costs more to produce our man- 
 ufactured articles. Also, where we produce sufficient 
 raw materials or products for our consumption and 
 these same materials and products can be imported 
 at a lower price than we can produce them, such 
 items should also be protected. But the protection 
 is chiefly necessary on the manufactured articles at 
 present, for the reason that Europe is now short of 
 raw materials. No protective tariff, or rather a very 
 light one, previous to the war, caused a great depres- 
 sion in this country." 
 
 The tariff was given a little discussion and the 
 next article was requested. 
 
 "The next article is one of great magnitude," said 
 Joan. 
 
 " 'Article 6. Public Utilities. Such as railroads, 
 telephone, steel, coal, mining, munitions of war, ship- 
 building, packers — if I have omitted any of the indus- 
 tries, kindly tell me — should be private ownership; 
 
262 THE VOICES 
 
 individual ownership, under government supervis- 
 ion.' " Loud murmurs on all sides. 
 
 "This is a subject," added Joan, "that requires 
 careful consideration. You must remember if every- 
 thing were to be controlled by the government it 
 would cause too much centralization, and too much 
 centralization and paternalism will cause man to lose 
 his individuality or build up a machine too expensive 
 to maintain, and I trust that you will approve of the 
 article in the election of 1920 with your ballot by 
 an overwhelming majority." 
 
 "The next, the next!" they asked vociferously. 
 
 Aritcle 7," said Joan, "that eight hours shall con- 
 'Stitute a day of efficient work — eight hours for work, 
 that leaves, if desired, eight hours for sleep and eight 
 hours for recreation. Occupation in life is necessary 
 for everyone and labor brings independence and in- 
 dependence is one of the essential elements in man, 
 conducive to his temporal and spiritual welfare and 
 to the construction of character building." 
 
 "Well taken!" said many. "The majority vote 
 will bring that." 
 
 "Thanks," said Joan. "My voices are singing." 
 
 "Next, next!" came in a chorus from the audience. 
 
 "Article 8. The Minimum Living Wage," said 
 Joan. "There are already fifteen or sixteen States 
 that have declared for a minimum wage. I cannot 
 state definitely what it should be, because different 
 conditions prevail in different States, which would 
 have to be decided by an industrial commission ap- 
 pointed by the President and represent all the people." 
 
 "That seems reasonable," said many. 
 
 "It can only be decided in that way to be properly 
 adjusted," added Joan. 
 
THE VOICES 263 
 
 "Article 9. Now, as for strikes," said Joan, "1 
 have always spoken in favor of strikes providing the 
 employees were abiding by contracts and, as I said 
 in all my talks, I believe it would be a reflection 
 on the rank and file of labor if they did not wish to 
 assume moral and legal obligations. So I wish to say 
 that whatever employees wish to obtain, after con- 
 tracts have been fulfilled, it is their privilege to make 
 demands for more wages, but if they strike they must 
 not prevent others from taking their places, if so in- 
 clined, without intimidation or fear of violence." 
 
 "That is not unionism," said many simultaneously. 
 
 "It is true unionism," returned Joan. "Labor and 
 capital are mutually dependent upon each other from 
 the cradle to the grave, and either one may be used 
 as a dynamic power for good or evil. So when a 
 strike occurs, the employees must allow others to 
 take their places and the employers must not shut 
 down the mills and stop production, and both sides 
 must submit their grievances to an industrial com- 
 mission to be appointed by the President and abide 
 by the decision; otherwise, either party could para- 
 lyze industrial pursuits necessary to the people and 
 cause great suffering and distress. And if things 
 do not please you, you have your Panacea — the 
 ballot box — where numbers count; so increase your 
 unions' vote and abide by the majority vote, as all 
 citizens must do — submit to the authority of the dom- 
 inant power — the government. Law and order must 
 be maintained. Liberty and the pursuit of happiness 
 are the inalienable right guaranteed by the Constitu- 
 tion — 'the consent of the governed'; but when you 
 encroach upon the liberty of your neighbor, it is 
 license." 
 
264 THE VOICES 
 
 "We accept!" came from many; others remained 
 discreetly silent. 
 
 Joan continued: "I wish to supplement this Ar- 
 ticle 9 — That policemen, firemen and teachers should 
 not be affiliated with the American Federation of 
 Labor. They are government employees; therefore 
 should not be partisan. They should have sufficient 
 wages to maintain themselves and their families with- 
 out appeal to the government for it." 
 
 "Yes. Passed, passed!" by a majority of voices. 
 
 "Article 10. Deportation. All anarchistic aliens 
 to be deported and all undesirable aliens barred im- 
 migration. Any discussion?" asked Joan. 
 
 "Pass, pass !" they shouted. "Next, next !" 
 
 "Article 11. Restriction of immigration," said 
 Joan. "Immigration to be restricted for a period as 
 might be deemed necessary to be determined by offi- 
 cial authority, so as to give employment to organ- 
 ized and unorganized labor, for no man wishes simply 
 to sit down and be supported without service. It 
 would be demoralizing. Immigration should also be 
 restricted so that we do not get any undesirables 
 within our borders." 
 
 "These things require consideration," said a num- 
 ber. 
 
 "Well," replied Joan, "it will be on the platform 
 for you to accept or reject at the polls." 
 
 "Good, good!" was the answer. 
 
 "Next!" 
 
 "Article 12. Citizenship," said Joan. "Citizenship 
 confers great privileges and blessings and should be 
 given with caution. A man coming to this country 
 should at once apply for naturalization papers; then, 
 as now, be a resident for five years. In the. mean- 
 
THE VOICES 265 
 
 time he can learn to read and write in our language 
 and become acquainted with our laws. No foreigner 
 should be allowed to vote until he is able to read 
 and write our language. I hope you agree with me." 
 
 Some replied, "Yes," and others, "No." 
 
 "Well," said Joan, "take your Panacea with you 
 and express yourselves at the polls." 
 
 "The next, the next!" was the response. 
 
 "Article 13. Americanization — is the next Article 
 and a most important one," which brought forth a 
 roar of applause. "Americanization must be taught, 
 disseminated and wafted along as seeds with the 
 wind, not only in Universities, Public Schools, Sem- 
 inaries and Clubs, but everywhere. Every individual 
 should turn out and work for our America, for when 
 it comes to the real issue where is the citizen who 
 wishes to see his son fighting to protect European 
 countries. He should only fight for his own beloved 
 America or for the preservation of National honor. 
 We Americans and native born or naturalized citizens 
 must be for America and only owe allegiance to 
 America and no other country. Allegiance to Amer- 
 ica is a big lesson to teach, but America can do it, 
 must do it, will do it. America knows how. And I 
 wish to say right here another word about labor. 
 Employment to organized and unorganized labor will 
 kill Bolshevism, Anarchism, Communism, Nihilism, 
 Syndicalism, Radicalism and every other ism de- 
 structive or a menace to good government. In Amer- 
 icanism lies the hope not only of America but of the 
 whole word. America, America. The miracle of the 
 ages. My voices are satisfied and they greet you lov- 
 ingly in your — our- — great work — the Campaign for 
 
266 THE VOICES 
 
 1920. My Voices will guide me in this work, and 
 bless us. God save America, America!" 
 
 And "America, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty," 
 was no longer a song, but a riotous indulgence of 
 feeling. Joan received an ovation unsurpassed by any 
 political leader. Many rushed on the platform and 
 said, "Let me touch the hands of the girl with the 
 wonderful voices. Guide us, guide us." And Joan 
 replied with humility, "The voices are from God and 
 so must be obeyed. God's blessing rest on 'The 
 Voices.' " 
 
 Ashton had a contented look, Torby, Senior, ap- 
 peared happy, and Applegate's face was lighted up 
 like a lamp. Diana looked around with a cold, but 
 serene look. Athelstane regarded her with admira- 
 tion, for he knew her heart must be wrung at the 
 triumph this evening of the girl with the mission 
 and the voices and he determined that he would 
 make an effort for the Presidential nomination to 
 gratify her and his ambition even if it took her col- 
 ossal fortune and his to do it. 
 
 "I know you remember, Diana, I told you that 
 girl with the voices was preparing her way to spring 
 upon the public. And she has some good things to 
 startle and shock the people. Our_ future, Diana," 
 and Athelstane looked at her closely and steadily 
 and said, "Together, Diana, we shall aspire." 
 
 "Say no more, my fortune is at your command." 
 
 "You understand my innermost thoughts. Diana, 
 I worship you." 
 
 "We understand each other." 
 
 "I am glad we are sailing in the same boat," said 
 Athelstane, "and whether the sea be smooth or 
 rough, you and I shall always be calm, with confi- 
 
THE VOICES 267 
 
 dence in each other and in God, the ruler of des- 
 tinies." 
 
 Congressman and Mrs. Hardwick praised Joan 
 with such genuine admiration that she could only 
 reply, "My voices." 
 
 Applegate came out with Joan, but was separated 
 by the crowd's jostling one another to get a better 
 view pf the wonderful girl with the voices with a 
 platform that could not fail with the Panacea for 
 Unrest to bring the desired result, peace and har- 
 mony between Capitaland Labor. 
 
 Mayme found Joan in a retired spot and said, 
 "Now, Miss Joan, the young boss will split that 
 crowd in a minute and I think it is time to let him 
 love yer. He has been dangling after yer long 
 enough. There's good fish in the sea as out." 
 
 "Now, Mayme, you know my mission, my voices." 
 
 "Miss Joan, the young boss may not always be 
 sick and then he may see some other ladies when 
 well and forget yer — serve yer right. Yer voices 
 don't tell yer everything." 
 
 "But my voices ! No other girl has voices from 
 God like mine." 
 
 "He can't live on voices all the time. You can't 
 just live in auditorums all the time or in crowds. 
 Dear me! Why don't yer want a home like I have? 
 I know more'n yer do." 
 
 "But Mayme," said Joan, "I must work for my 
 country." 
 
 "Oh, bosh, marry and take yer husband with yer 
 when yer preach and, well, if yer don't look out, he 
 will find another girl. Then yer'-ll be left to yerself, 
 crying yer heart out — like women do with their hus- 
 bands, desert them when they are alive and wear thick 
 
268 THE VOICES 
 
 black when dead and peepin' out of ther corner of ther 
 eyes for another one. I'll be sorry fer yer, but I 
 don't count. I am goin to find John and Peter." 
 Joan paled. Mayme whisked away as she saw Ap- 
 plegate approaching. 
 
 "Well, darling girl, with a mission, with the 
 heavenly choir. You have conquered my father, 
 Ashton, everyone all around, but Diana and Athel- 
 stane. They are jealous of my darling. CoiiieV come 
 to me." 
 
 "I owe a debt," said Joan tremulously, "to the 
 man who took care of my father and dear Mayme. 
 The man who managed my affairs for me. I owe a 
 debt of gratitude, you will acknowledge that." 
 
 "By all means, heartsease. I am the man. By 
 God, My God, I am the man." 
 
 "No," said Joan, "you cannot be the man." 
 
 "Ask Mayme, that heart of gold, for the truth, 
 Mayme, Mayme." 
 
 "But I must work. My work has just begun for 
 this campaign for 1920 and if not successful, must 
 be continued until it is an, accomplished fact." 
 
 "Marry, marry me now — at once." 
 
 "No, my voices say no. I must not marry until 
 my mission is carried out for my country, then — " 
 
 "Well, darling, Jacob waited seven years for 
 Rachael. I am as good a man as Jacob. I am a bet- 
 ter man than Jacob. I shall work with you and wait 
 for you until every Article on that platform is car- 
 ried out, but I shall have my reward now," and he 
 took her and said, "Do not struggle — the Hardwicks 
 are coming — there — " after kissing her, he gently re- 
 leased her. 
 
 Mayme rushed in with Peter and John following. 
 
THE VOICES 269 
 
 Peter took Joan in his arms and cried for joy, "My 
 varsity girl,, my dead wife's wish carried, Joan." 
 
 "The maid — the maid — " cried Mayme. 
 
 "Jehanne La Pucelle," said Mrs. Hardwick. 
 
 "The Maid of Orleans," said Hardwick. 
 
 "The Maid of Donremy," spoke Kelly. 
 
 "And my Joan," said Applegate. 
 
 "The savior of her country — her mission will 
 be fulfilled. Her voices guide true," said Torby, Sen- 
 ior, as he shook hands with Joan, greeted Applegate 
 joyfully, spoke a few words with the Hardwicks, 
 smiled at Mayme, and disappeared. 
 
 "I am glad he went," said Mayme, piroueting 
 around. "I don't like him. Congressman Hardwick, 
 put your ring in the hat, if not I'll send my John. 
 He'll study and study and run for office, but not 
 before. Miss Joan, you have saved your country, mar- 
 ried the young boss and we have Congressman Hard- 
 wick President. John and me will take care of Peter 
 till your mission and your voices have stopped 
 talking." 
 
 "I am with yer," said Peter, "wherever you go." 
 
 "No," returned Joan. "Dear father, you could not 
 stand the fatigue. You must stay here with Mayme 
 and Mr. Kelly. I shall come to see you occasionally 
 — that means as frequently as my work will allow 
 me. The way I propose is best." 
 
 "Yes," said Applegate, "and we shall build you a 
 seven-room house and you will live there with 
 Mayme and John if agreeable to all and the house 
 will be deeded to Mayme and Kelly." 
 
 "Good boss, fine boss. We'll be true to the 
 trust." 
 
 "We appreciate your kindness and generosity to 
 
270 THE VOICES 
 
 us, Mr. Torby, and I hope we shall be able some 
 day to make returns," said Kelly. 
 
 "An when you, Mr. President Hardwick, are 
 runnin and for your campaign, Miss Joan and Mr. 
 Boss, John and me will get you lots of votes. I can 
 do more an John, because women can tell stories 
 better than men. Men can't hang 'em on a thread 
 like women — they can't string 'em. Men always leave 
 out somethin!" 
 
 "Yes, I shall put my hat in the ring," said Hard- 
 wick. 
 
 "And I," said Mrs. Hardwick, "will be with you, 
 heart and soul." 
 
 "My Margaret, of course you will, dear heart." 
 
 "And when you are President Hardwick, John 
 and me will come to Washington if we've to fool 
 it all the way an we'll go to the White House and 
 when the man opens the door, I'll say, 'Away man.' 
 He'll say, 'Name?' I'll say, 'name, Mr. and Mrs. 
 John Esmond Ammon Kelly. If yer please friends 
 of the President and his lady an we'll stay to dinner.' 
 Then we'll walk straight to your boidoir and let the 
 man fret. And when I am in your boudoir, I'll say 
 here we are. And I am Mayme and tell yer, yer're 
 an honor to our country and wher's my lady? Yer're 
 looking well, Mr. President." 
 
 "The door will be open for you and Mr. Kelly if 
 the country will open it for me." 
 
 "John an me will run all over California for yer 
 with Peter. Well, thanks king — no, no, no. President 
 is enough for it's everythin." 
 
 "And we must not forget," said Hardwick, "when 
 we go to Washington in a few weeks to secure the 
 pension for the poor widow. And I shall buy her 
 
THE VOICES 271 
 
 a plot here in San Francisco before we leave and have 
 a little monument put up for her — and she shall have 
 her rose bushes too there." 
 
 "And I," said Mrs. Hardwick, "shall give her a 
 monthly allowance until her children are of an age 
 that they can be of some assistance to her." Hard- 
 wick returned, "We should be helpful." 
 
 "No one must be forgotten," added Mrs. Hard- 
 wick. 
 
 "And when we are married, Joan," said Apple- 
 gate, "we shall go to Paris for a few months and I 
 shall show you the famous painting of Joan of Arc at 
 the coronation of Charles the VII in the Cathedral at 
 Rheims, by J. E. Lenepren in the Pantheon, Paris. 
 And I shall have your picture taken in armor the 
 same way with the angels singing around you as the 
 savior of oi^r country — Joan Lynn, the girl with the 
 voices. And I shall have some photographs taken for 
 our friends." 
 
 "I'll take a copy," said Mayme. "And when yer 
 come back, I'll be edicated and I'll speak correct — 
 see if I don'tr I am a brick, I am." 
 
 "I think," said Kelly, looking at Mayme affec- 
 tionately, for he appreciated her kind heart and bub- 
 bling good nature, "she will keep her promise." 
 
 Then Peter came in with a word, "Yer'll teach 
 me too, Mayme; will yer? So when Joan comes 
 home she won't be ashamed of her father." 
 
 "Never ashamed of you, dear father." 
 
 "I'll teach yer, Peter," answered Mayme. 
 
 "The best way to learn," said Kelly. 
 
 "If you will teach father a little, dear Mayme, 
 you shall have two rings — the fur choker you shall 
 have to-morrow." 
 
272 THE VOICES 
 
 "Yes, it's very cold," said Mayme, drawing up her 
 shoulders. 
 
 "Remember my furnishings," laughed Mrs. Hard- 
 wick. 
 
 "And buy Mayme a present for me now, Mar- 
 garet. No, never mind, I shall send you one, Mayme, 
 from Washington." 
 
 "Hurrah for the President," returned Mayme. 
 
 Applegate clasped one of Joan's hands, her father 
 had the other and Applegate said with intense feel- 
 ing, "God bless our country and the campaign of 
 1920 of the girl, Joan Lynn, with the mission and 
 'The Voices,' Amen." 
 
 "Amen," was echoed by all. 
 
 (The End) 
 
CORNELL UNIVER5ITV LIBRARY 
 
 3 1924 066 748 637