Chapter 78
willing we should have it?'
'All you can get, and I'll fight any man who's mean enough to say you
don't deserve it.'
This brief and forcible reply delighted the energetic President, and
she beamed upon the member from California, as she said briskly:
'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 pipe for us, at least when we
take the field, and not be one of those who wait till the battle is
won, and then beat the drums and share the glory.'
Mrs Giddy-gaddy's doubts were most effectually removed, and her sharp
speech regretted, as Nat looked up blushing, 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 and might, 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 umbrella, 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 the cause.'
'Living and working for it is harder, and therefore more honourable.
Men are always ready to die for us, but not 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. I am glad to see that
old Plum has given six true men to the world, and hope they will
continue to be staunch to her 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