"We have come to the crisis of our municipal history. We have rid our local government of some of the worst demagogues with which any city ever was cursed; consequently, it is most important that we fill their places with men of wide views, unusual intelligence and absolute fearlessness. We are not sure of what the voters may do if an election be called just now; but we are reasonably sure that we can pick out six men who will help make our system of government a model of its kind instead of a reproach and a by-word. Let us make our own selections--or, rather, help our mayor to make hers--and show this town what can be done with an honest and sane council, every man of whom has at heart the framing of a model municipality and the development of an ideal city. To this end, I move that the mayor, assisted by the entire council, shall fill the vacancies in our board." This motion was carried without further debate, and some of the best and most public-spirited men in Roma were put into the vacant places. At last Gertrude had a city council which was in full sympathy with her, and ready to further every good project she had under consideration. At the first meeting of the completed council, they voted to adopt the new ordinance which was to provide for open bids on all contracts, to be signed by the mayor in the presence of his council; and also to pass others vital to the best interests of the city. It would be impossible, when they should have finished remodeling their city charter, for City Hall to be again the temple of the money-changers. "We are going to experience a spasm of virtue now that will astonish the world," said Armstrong, as he sat at lunch with Allingham at the Union Club next day. "Let's hope it will swing the whole length of the pendulum from the point where it started last January. You must confess, the experiment of putting in a woman for mayor has been rather a successful one, on the whole." "I do," answered Allingham. "I'll admit it freely. But then, Gertrude Van Deusen is an exceptional woman." "One of the greatest," said Bailey. "Shall I offer my congratulations now?" asked Allingham, after a slight pause. "How did you hear?" said Bailey, quickly. "Who told you?" "I've seen it all along," answered Allingham. "No one has told me. Yes, she's a fine woman--the noblest I ever saw." "Mary?--yes," said Bailey. "As fine as Gertrude, every bit." "What?" gasped the other; "Mary Snow?" "Why, yes, man," retorted Bailey. "What's the matter with you? Of course it's Mary Snow." "Not Gertrude--Miss Van Deusen?" said Allingham, in strained tones.