to put our girls into gingham rompers, and instead of giving them little dancing parties, let them play about like boys!  We wonder why we need spend our money on imported hats and nice dinners and hand-embroidered underwear, and Oriental rugs, although we thought these things very well worth having a few months ago—­and why?  Just because we are easily led, I’m afraid, and not quite conscious enough of our own dignity!”

There had been a decided heightening of color among the listening women during this little speech, and, as the President finished, more than one pair of eyes rested upon her with a slightly resentful steadiness.  There was a short silence, in which several women were gathering their thoughts for speech, but Mrs. Brown, always popular in Santa Paloma, from the days of her short braids and short dresses, and quite the youngest among them to-day, was the first to speak.

“I daresay that is quite true, Mrs. White,” said Mrs. Brown, with dignity, “except that I don’t think Mrs. Burgoyne’s money influences me, or any of us!  I admit that she herself, quite apart from her great fortune, has influenced me tremendously in lots of ways, but I don’t think she ever tried to do it, or realizes that she has.  And as far as copying goes, don’t we women always copy somebody, anyway?  Aren’t we always imitating the San Francisco women, and don’t they copy New York, and doesn’t New York copy London or Paris?  We read what feathers are in, and how skirts are cut, and how coffee and salads are served, and we all do it, or try to.  And when Mrs. Burgoyne came to the Hall, and never took one particle of interest in that sort of thing, I just thought it over and wondered why I should attempt to impress a woman who could buy this whole town and not miss the money?”

Laughter interrupted her, and some sympathetic clapping, but she presently went on seriously: 

“I took all the boys’ white socks one day, and dyed them dark brown.  And I dyed all their white suits dark blue.  I’ve gotten myself some galatea dresses that nothing tears or spoils, and that come home fresh and sweet from the wash every week.  And, as a result, I actually have some time to spare, for the first time since I was married.  We are going to try some educational experiments on the children this winter, and, if that leaves any leisure, I am heart and soul for this new plan.  Doctor Brown feels as I do.  Of course, he’s a doctor,” said the loyal little wife, “and he knows!  And he says that all those Old Paloma girls want is a little mothering, and that when there are mothers enough to go round, there won’t be any charity or legislation needed in this world.”