“By the way,” said Michael, his face all alight, “did I tell you that Milborn told me the other day that they think they’re on track of the real owner of our tenement? The agent let out something the last time they talked with him and they think they may discover who he is, though he’s hidden himself well behind agents for years. If we can find out who he is we may be able to help him understand what great need there is for him to make a few changes—” “Yes, a few changes!” sneered Will. “Tear down the whole rotten death-trap and build a new one with light and air and a chance for human beings to live! Give it to ’em, old man! He may be there tonight.” “I believe I will,” said Michael thoughtfully, the look of winning beginning to dawn on his speaking face; and he went up to his room and locked his door. When he came out again, Will who was waiting to accompany him to the meeting saw in his eyes the look of the dreamer, the man who sees into the future and prophesies. He knew that Michael would not fail in his speech that night. He gave a knowing look to Hester as she came out to go with them and Hester understood. They walked behind him quietly for the most part, or speaking in low tones. They felt the pride and the anxiety of the moment as much as if they had been going to make the speech themselves. The angel in the man had dominated them also. Now it happened that Starr had come down with her father for a week’s shopping the last time he ran up to his sister’s and on this particular evening she had claimed her father’s society. “Can’t you stay at home, Daddy dear?” she asked wistfully. “I don’t want to go to Aunt Frances’ ‘quiet little evening’ one bit. I told her you needed me tonight as we’ve only a day or two more left before I go back.” Aunt Frances was Starr’s mother’s sister, and as the servants of the two families agreed mutually, “Just like her, only more so.” Starr had never been quite happy in her company. “Come with me for a little while, daughter. I’m sorry I can’t stay at home all the evening, but I rather promised I’d drop into a charitable meeting at Madison Square for a few minutes this evening. They’re counting on my name, I believe. We won’t need to stay long, and if you’re with, me it will be easier to get away.” “Agreed!” said Starr eagerly, and got herself ready in a twinkling. And so it came about that as the roll of martial music poured forth from the fine instruments secured for the occasion, and the leaders and speakers of the evening, together with the presidents of this Society, and that Army, or Settlement, or Organization for the Belief and Benefit of the Poor, filed on to the great platform, that Starr and her father occupied prominent seats in the vast audience, and joined in the enthusiasm that spread like a wave before the great American Flag that burst out in brilliant electric lights of red and white and blue, a signal that the hour and the moment was come.