I now developed their newly discovered sense of humor by holding up to ridicule their feminine despots until, when the time was ripe, I brought forward triumphantly my scheme for a successful rebellion. I recited to them the story of Lysistrata and the woman’s revolt and having carefully demonstrated to them that they were set apart for one particular purpose alone, I pictured the consternation that would ensue if they steadfastly refused to venture from their walls, assuring them that in a short time they would be able to dictate their own terms. This idea appealed so strongly to their rapidly developing sense of the ridiculous that the proposition was greeted with cheers and shouts of laughter and by unanimous acclaim I was appointed general in chief, with power to issue the ultimatum and enforce all needed discipline over the weaker minded elements. For three days not a male stirred from the walls that by inviolable tradition protected their seclusion. On the fourth, the entire body of the Histriones gathered outside the gates led by Dianne, and demanded a conference. Restraining my forces, with some difficulty I admit, I advanced outside the gates. While the young males in a fever of curiosity lined the walls, the lovely Dianne approaching me with dimmed eyes and outstretched arms enfolded me in her trembling embrace. “Oh, Jack,” she exclaimed reproachfully, “you do not love me!” It was the first time I had heard that peculiar feminine complaint since my arrival and its evidence that the primitive instincts could be counted upon, heartened me greatly. “On the contrary,” I replied with unfeigned emotion. “It is because I am more in love with you than ever, that I have done what I have done to free us from Acquilla’s tyranny.” “But what is happening? We hear the strangest noises as though the debutants had gone mad. And what is this new strange costume I see you in,” she added drawing back in surprise and staring at the shorts and polo shirt I had introduced. “We have adopted the costume that was already being debated at the time of my departure. Do you like them?” “What beautiful legs you have, Jack dear, so straight and strong and wooly!” Her enthusiasm pleased but abashed me. I said hastily: “As for the disturbances you have heard, reassure your fellow women. The men are in revolt, but we shall not proceed to acts of violence. Ours is what was called the rebellion of non-resistance.” “What do you mean?” continued Dianne, still contemplating my legs. “Have you read ‘Lysistrata’? Since the sexes are reversed, we have determined to revert to woman’s weapons!” “Bogardus, how cruel!” Dianne exclaimed suddenly enlightened. “But then--no, you do not love me as I love you! You are thinking only of your pride of sex and I think of nothing but my longing for you!” “_I could not love thee half so well Loved I not honor more_,” I quoted triumphantly.