"With all the clubs and bridge-parties and afternoon teas, they have going in the day-time," said Gertrude, "let them be content. But at night, if she values domestic happiness, let the wife not dare deprive her husband of the delights of a good well-kept home," and she snuggled closer into her big chair. "Goodness, Gertie!" laughed her cousin. "One would think you contemplated a husband. Or are you getting up a speech on Public Life for Women as a Training for Matrimony. But here's Bailey. I suppose you want to talk over City Hall matters--the last thing I want to listen to. So you'll excuse me. But, do you think the ideal domestic menage would allow business after hours? O, Bailey, I suspect she'll be taking up cigarettes next;" and with that she went away to make a call at the nearest neighbor's. "Sit down, Bailey," said Gertrude, reaching up to greet him. "I'm so comfortable--and lazy, here; I'm sure you won't mind if we just sit by this fire and talk things over. Well--do you know that Mr. Henry,--the accountant,--has been going over the books today?" "Probably a good thing," was Bailey's comment. "Find anything out of the way?" "He thinks the salary bills, some of them, larger than they should be. O, there is so much to do! So many ways in which things should be improved!--so many ends to be looked after and gathered up," she cried. "Not getting tired, Gertie--already?" asked Bailey, in a surprised tone. Gertrude sat up straight in her chair. "There are two sides to me, Bailey," she answered. "I suppose there are two to most people. There is the Gertrude Van Deusen who has been shielded and cared for all her life, who has never known hardship or difficulty--or even work; and sometimes--as tonight here in the shelter of my father's fine library, she comes to the surface with her cry for luxury and the easy sheltered path she has always known. But there is another Gertrude Van Deusen, who having laid her hand to the plough, would deem it a disgrace to turn back before her furrow is ploughed. She is the one who stands ready to face anything, to dare the city rogues, to root out corruption if it exists--and I think it does." "Not much doubt of that," returned Bailey. "And good for you. You're the same girl I used to drive into a corner of the snow-fort, just to see you fight." "Not very ladylike, was I?" smiled Gertrude. "But if I had been of the ladylike kind,--well, Roma would have had Burke in as mayor now. And Bailey, I believe Burke is deep in that Boulevard business. How shall we find out?" They talked for a long time over the glowing coals; then Mary Snow came in and Jessie Craig again, and there was music and a quiet game of whist, after which Bailey escorted Mary away with his most gallantly protective air. "Gertrude, do you think Bailey is just a trifle interested there,--in Mary Snow, I mean?" asked Miss Craig when they had gone.