Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work

"Louise doesn't care about the farmers," retorted Patsy. "She's going to

talk to their wives."

"Wives don't vote, Patsy."

"They tell their husbands how to vote, though," declared Louise, with a

laugh. "Let me win the women and I'll win the men."

"What am I to do?" asked Beth.

"You're to stay at home and write several articles for the newspapers.

There are seven important papers in our district, and five of them are

Republican. Make a strong argument, Beth. You're our publicity

department. Also get up copy for some hand-hills and circular letters. I

want to get a circular letter to every voter in the district."

"All right," said Beth. "I know what you want."

There was an inspiring air of business about these preparations, and the

girls were all eager to begin work. Scarcely was breakfast finished when

the two equipages were at the door. Louise and Mr. Watson at once

entered the phaeton and drove away, the girl delighted at the prospect

of visiting the farmers' wives and winning them by her plausible

speeches. Conversation was Louise's strong point. She loved to talk and

argue, and her manner was so confiding and gracious that she seldom

failed to interest her listeners.

Patsy and Uncle John drove away. In Kenneth's buggy to the town, and

during the five-mile drive Patsy counseled gravely with her shrewd uncle

in regard to "ways and means."

"This thing requires prompt action, Patsy," he said, "and if we're going

to do things that count they've got to be done on a big scale."

"True," she admitted. "But oughtn't we to be a little careful about

spending Kenneth's money?"

"I'll be your temporary banker," said the old gentleman, "and keep track

of the accounts. If we win we'll present Kenneth our bill, and if we

fail I'll have the satisfaction of getting rid of some of that dreadful

income that is swamping me."

This was always Uncle John's cry. His enormous fortune was a constant

bugbear to him. He had been so interested in his business enterprises

for many years that he had failed to realize how his fortune was

growing, and it astounded him to wake up one day and find himself

possessed of many millions.