Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work

But the Honorable Erastus had no intention of "taking chances," or

"monkeying with fate," as he tersely expressed it. Every scheme known to

politicians must be worked, and none knew the intricate game better than

Hopkins. This was why he held several long conferences with his friend

Marshall, the manager at the mill. And this was why Kenneth and Beth

discovered him conversing with the young woman in the buggy. Mr. Hopkins

had picked her up from the path leading from the rear gate of the

Elmhurst grounds, and she had given him accurate information concerning

the movements of the girl campaigners. The description she gave of the

coming reception to the Woman's Political League was so humorous and

diverting that they were both laughing heartily over the thing when the

young people passed them, and thus Mr. Hopkins failed to notice who the

occupants of the other vehicle were.

He talked for an hour with the girl, gave her explicit instructions,

thrust some money into her hand, and then drove her back to the bend in

the path whence she quickly made her way up to the great house.

Louise was making great preparations to entertain the Woman's Political

League, an organization she had herself founded, the members of which

were wives of farmers in the district. These women were flattered by the

attention of the young lady and had promised to assist in electing Mr.

Forbes. Louise hoped for excellent results from this organization and

wished the entertainment to be so effective in winning their good-will

that they would work earnestly for the cause in which they were

enlisted.

Patsy and Beth supported their cousin loyally and assisted in the

preparations. The Fairview band was engaged to discourse as much harmony

as it could produce, and the resources of the great house were taxed to

entertain the guests. Tables were spread on the lawn and a dainty but

substantial repast was to be served.

The day of the entertainment was as sunny and mild as heart could

desire.

By ten o'clock the farm wagons began to drive up, loaded with women and

children, for all were invited except the grown men.