"Without a frown or a hostile look?" "Unless you provoke it." Norman ate in silence for five minutes, listening to Barbara's girlish chatter while she bubbled over with the spirit of pure joy. Her whole being radiated fun and laughter as the sun pours forth heat and light. He wondered where this magic secret of joyous womanhood had been hidden in the past. "What a revelation you've been to me this morning," he said, musingly, as he rose from the table. "How?" she asked. "I thought you were all seriousness and tragedy, eloquence and pathos." "We're in paradise now. The shadows have lifted." "And I find you a little ray of dancing sunlight." "So every girl would be if she had the chance." "And we're going to give them the chance here, little comrade!" he cried, with enthusiasm. "I'll help you!" she earnestly responded, extending her hand with a tender look into the depth of Norman's soul. CHAPTER XVII A CALL FOR HEROES The first business before the Assembly of the Brotherhood was the permanent assignment of work. The enthusiasm which swept the Socialists through the first week of joyous life could not last. No one expected it. The novelty of their surroundings, the surprise and elation of every one over the beauty and richness of their newly acquired empire, carried the pioneers over the opening days as in a dream. It all seemed like a great picnic--like the long-hoped-for holidays in life of which they had dreamed and never realized, yet which somehow had come to pass. But the time was at hand to face the first big, sober reality of the new social system. The dining-hall was packed. Every member of the Brotherhood was present. The orchestra played a lively air in a vain effort to revive the spirit of festivity with which every meeting had hitherto buzzed. But an evil spirit had entered the Garden of Eden, and joy had fled. Over every heart hovered a brood of solemn questions. What will be my lot? Will I be allowed to choose my work? Or will they tell me what to do? Will it be dirty and disagreeable, or pleasant and inspiring? Norman sat in his chair of state as presiding officer, bending over a mass of papers which Barbara had spread before him. She leaned close, and a stray hair from one of her brown curls touched his forehead. He trembled and stared blankly at the papers, seeing only a beautiful face. "You understand?" she asked. "I've placed under each department the number of workers needed." "Yes, yes, I understand!" he repeated, looking at her, blankly. "I don't believe you've heard a word I've spoken to you," she said, reproachfully. He was about to answer when the music stopped. Norman lifted his head with a start, rose quickly and faced the crowd.