As for their politics they were hewed from the politics of their fathers and their class. They were defensive for the most part. They had heard of the exigent demands of labor, they had seen their fathers irritant under “Bolshevik legislation”--in their own shrewd minds (and many of them had the shrewdness common to smallness) they knew that all their luxury and their personal license, their expensive clothes and schools and motors and unlimited charge accounts were based on an order whose right to exist was being challenged. They roused to its defense, boisterously, giggling, and yet class conscious. Helen did what she could to palliate any trouble the club might cause. She pressed on Mrs. Brownley the need of not antagonizing possible and prospective members of the party by anything that appeared as snobbishness. Mrs. Brownley agreed astutely, starting post haste on a scheme for organizing the stenographers of the city and mapping out a scheme whereby the employees of the large department stores might be drawn into Republican groups. She urged Helen to talk to the Junior Republicans and Helen did it. She noted Barbara among the rest, handsome in yellow linen and yet looking tired and worn. The artificial penciling under her eyes was circled by deeper yellow brown hollows, and her restlessness and lack of interest in the whole proceeding were conspicuous. “What a world weary face that child has!” thought Helen. She remembered one of Mrs. Brownley’s confidences about Barbara’s engagement and idly asked Allie about it. “Is Bob engaged to Ted?” “Oh, Lord, who knows!” said Allie. “She’s had an awful row with him, but she’s got his ring. I don’t know what they fought about. And she’s such a fool, for she really is crazy about him and he knows it so he doesn’t pay much attention when she rows.” She stopped as Barbara came towards them. “I’m going up to town over night. I wonder if you and Mr. Haynes would take me up? Have you an extra seat? I’ll be a fine chaperon.” Helen frowned a little. She disliked the insinuation, just as she disliked Barbara, but the girl’s request could not be refused gracefully. “I’m sure Jerrold will be glad,” she said rather coldly. “When’d you decide to go to town, Bob?” asked Allie. Another girl joined the group, overhearing the last remark. “I think she’s going up to keep a watch on Ted. One of the girls saw him with that pretty Thorstad girl one day at a hotel--the girl there’s been such a lot of talk about.” Helen felt herself change color and as she tried to get quick control caught sight of Barbara’s face. It was almost white, but not as if white from shock or pain--rather an ugly white, lips compressed, eyes lifted angrily. “I don’t consider myself in the least responsible for Ted’s company, Mildred,” she said sharply. “Aren’t you afraid to stay alone in the house with just Mathilda?” went on Allie. Barbara looked her contempt.