"Pray pardon me," she began placatingly, "but probably Mrs. Flynn does not understand. The interpretation of parliamentary law in England may be quite different. Probably, it is. The customs of that country vary widely from ours in many respects. So, they probably do in the matter of elections in clubs. Now, I belong to ten clubs--American clubs--and I assure you that, according to the parliamentary law in every one of those ten clubs, Mrs. Carrington is certainly elected." This advocacy was, naturally, a challenge to Miss Johnson, who promptly rose up to champion her own candidate. "Mrs. Carrington, I am sure, has no desire to take advantage of a distinguished stranger within our gates--and one who has served as gloriously in the cause as Mrs. Flynn--but, even if someone--" she regarded Mrs. Morton with great significance--"I say, even if someone should wish to take unfair advantage of a technicality, it would be altogether impossible, for my amendment to the original motion was carried--unanimously! Mrs. Flynn is the president of the club, duly elected." Some hazy notion of parliamentary procedure moved Mrs. Flynn to a suggestion. "I think the matter might best be settled by the chair," she said, doubtfully. "The chair put the motion. Let us then leave the decision to Madam Chairman." Mrs. Carrington nodded a stately agreement to the proposal, and the company as a whole appeared vastly relieved, with the exceptions of Miss Johnson, who sniffed defiantly, and of Ruth, who appeared more than ever bewildered by the succession of events. Now, at last, Cicily felt herself baffled by the crisis of her own making. She looked from one to another with reproach in her amber eyes. "But--but you cannot expect me to decide between my guests," she espostulated. There was appeal for relief in the pathetic droop of the scarlet lips of the bride, but it was of no avail. The company asserted with vehemence that she must render the decision in this unfortunate dilemma.... And, again, the angel of inspiration whispered a solution of the difficulty. Impulsive as ever, a radiant smile curved her mouth, and her eyes shone happily. "Very well," she yielded. "Since you insist on putting your hostess in such an unfortunate position, I decide that it is up to the ladies themselves. Which one wishes to take the office, to force herself forward against the wishes of the other?" She cast a seemingly guileless glance of inquiry first on Mrs. Carrington, then on Mrs. Flynn, who simultaneously uttered exclamations of indignation at the imputation thus laid upon them. Mrs. Carrington was quick to make explicit answer. "If the ladies of the club do not desire me to be president, I must decline to accept the office, in spite of a unanimous vote. If, however--" She broke off to stare accusingly at her rival, then about the room in search of encouragement for her claims. [Illustration] Mrs. Flynn took advantage of the opportunity for speech in her own behalf.