Chapter 5 52were our representatives. I blushed for them, and the wives and mothers. I want an intelligent man to representme, if I can't do it myself, not a fool.''Nan is on the stump. Now we shall catch it,' cried Tom, putting up an um<strong>br</strong>ella to shield his unhappy head;for Nan's earnest voice was audible, and her indignant eye happened to rest on him as she spoke.'Go on, go on! I'll take notes, and put in "great applause" liberally,' added Demi, producing his ball-book andpencil, with his Jenkins air.Daisy pinched his nose through the bars, and the meeting was rather tumultuous for a moment, for Emilcalled: 'Avast, avast, here's a squall to wind'ard'; Tom applauded wildly; Dan looked up as if the prospect of afight, even with words, pleased him, and Nat went to support Demi, as his position seemed to be a good one.At this crisis, when everyone laughed and talked at once, Bess came floating through the upper hall andlooked down like an angel of peace upon the noisy group below, as she asked, with wondering eyes andsmiling lips:'What is it?''An indignation meeting. Nan and Alice are on the rampage, and we are at the bar to be tried for our lives.Will Your Highness preside and judge between us?' answered Demi, as a lull at once took place; for no onerioted in the presence of the Princess.'I'm not wise enough. I'll sit here and listen. Please go on.' And Bess took her place above them all as cool andcalm as a little statue of Justice, with fan and nosegay in place of sword and scales.'Now, ladies, free your minds, only spare us till morning; for we've got a german to dance as soon as everyoneis fed, and Parnassus expects every man to do his duty. Mrs President Giddy-gaddy has the floor,' said Demi,who liked this sort of fun better than the very mild sort of flirtation which was allowed at Plumfield, for thesimple reason that it could not be entirely banished, and is a part of all <strong>edu</strong>cation, co- or otherwise.'I have only one thing to say, and it is this,' began Nan soberly, though her eyes sparkled with a mixture of funand earnestness. 'I want to ask every boy of you what you really think on this subject. Dan and Emil have seenthe world and ought to know their own minds. Tom and Nat have had five examples before them for years.Demi is ours and we are proud of him. So is Rob. Ted is a weathercock, and Dolly and George, of course, arefogies in spite of the Annex, and girls at Girton going ahead of the men. Commodore, are you ready for thequestion?''Ay, ay, skipper.''Do you believe in Woman's Suffrage?''Bless your pretty figger head! I do, and I'll ship a crew of girls any time you say so. Aren't they worse than apress-gang to carry a fellow out of his moorings? Don't we all need one as pilot to steer us safe to port? andwhy shouldn't they share our mess afloat and ashore since we are sure to be wrecked without 'em?''Good for you, Emil! Nan will take you for first mate after that handsome speech,' said Demi, as the girlsapplauded, and Tom glowered. 'Now, Dan, you love liberty so well yourself, are you willing we should haveit?''All you can get, and I'll fight any man who's mean enough to say you don't deserve it.'This <strong>br</strong>ief and forcible reply delighted the energetic President, and she beamed upon the member from
Chapter 6 53California, as she said <strong>br</strong>iskly:'Nat wouldn't dare to say he was on the other side even if he were, but I hope he has made up his mind to pipefor us, at least when we take the field, and not be one of those who wait till the battle is won, and then beat thedrums and share the glory.'Mrs Giddy-gaddy's doubts were most effectually removed, and her sharp speech regretted, as Nat looked upblushing, but with a new sort of manliness in face and manner, saying, in a tone that touched them all:'I should be the most ungrateful fellow alive if I did not love, honour, and serve women with all my heart andmight, for to them I owe everything I am or ever shall be.'Daisy clapped her hands, and Bess threw her bouquet into Nat's lap, while the other girls waved their fans,well pleased; for real feeling made his little speech eloquent.'Thomas B. Bangs, come into court, and tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, if you can,'commanded Nan, with a rap to call the meeting to order.Tom shut the um<strong>br</strong>ella, and standing up raised his hand, saying solemnly:'I believe in suffrage of all kinds. I adore all women, and will die for them at any moment if it will help thecause.''Living and working for it is harder, and therefore more honourable. Men are always ready to die for us, butnot to make our lives worth having. Cheap sentiment and bad logic. You will pass, Tom, only don't twaddle.Now, having taken the sense of the meeting we will adjourn, as the hour for festive gymnastics has arrived. Iam glad to see that old Plum has given six true men to the world, and hope they will continue to be staunch toher and the principles she has taught them, wherever they may go. Now, girls, don't sit in draughts, and, boys,beware of ice-water when you are warm.'With this characteristic close Nan retired from office, and the girls went to enjoy one of the few rights allowedthem.Chapter 6LAST WORDSThe next day was Sunday, and a goodly troop of young and old set forth to church.--some driving, somewalking, all enjoying the lovely weather and the happy quietude which comes to refresh us when the work andworry of the week are over. Daisy had a headache; and Aunt Jo remained at home to keep her company,knowing very well that the worst ache was in the tender heart struggling dutifully against the love that grewstronger as the parting drew nearer.'Daisy knows my wishes, and I trust her. You must keep an eye on Nat, and let him clearly understand thatthere is to be no "lovering", or I shall forbid the letter-writing. I hate to seem cruel, but it is too soon for mydear girl to bind herself in any way,' said Mrs Meg, as she rustled about in her best grey silk, while waiting forDemi, who always escorted his pious mother to church as a peace-offering for crossing her wishes in otherthings.'I will, dear; I'm lying in wait for all three boys today, like an old spider; and I will have a good talk with each.They know I understand them, and they always open their hearts sooner or later. You look like a nice, plumplittle Quakeress, Meg; and no one will believe that big boy is your son,' added Mrs Jo, as Demi came in
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