“I am not sure, dear friends, that we can prevent war,” she was saying, “but I am sure that we will try. And I am absolutely sure that the clothing of women with the sovereign power of the ballot will introduce into the councils that decide peace or war a new element in human history. Man alone has failed to keep the peace. Surely if we help we can do no worse. I have an abiding faith that we can do better--” She paused and a look of enraptured emotion illumined her face as she slowly continued: “If a city were besieged and soldiers were defending its strong places, and a breach had been made in the embattlements, the men within would close that breach with the first thing at hand. They would not spare even the priceless marble figure on which an artist had spent years of loving toil--unless the defending soldier were the artist who created the masterpiece! He could not hurl this treasure into the breach to be crushed into a shapeless mass. He would find another way or die in the effort. “Man is woman’s masterpiece. For twenty-five years she broods and watches and works with loving care to fashion this immortal being. Give to her the decisive voice in war and she will find a better way to fill the breach. She will not hurl her masterpiece into this hell. Man has failed to find a better way. May not we who love most and suffer most at least have the chance to try?” The sweet penetrating voice died softly away and she had taken her seat before the crowd realized that she had stopped. A moment’s dead silence and then cheer after cheer swept the throng. An excited man lifted high his hand and shouted: “We’ll give you the chance. Yes--yes!” Zonia’s grip tightened suddenly on John Vassar’s arm. “You’ll let me introduce you, Uncy?” Vassar laughed excitedly. “Will I? Be quick, girl--before she gets away!” CHAPTER VI “Aren’t you glad you came?” Zonia asked eagerly. “Hurry! Don’t let her get away with Waldron--” The girl darted from his side and pushed rapidly to the platform. The crowd had encircled Virginia and a hundred people were trying to grasp her hand at the same time. There was no help for it. He must wait. At least he was glad the jam made it equally impossible for Waldron to reach her. He saw him wave his hand to her over their heads, bow and leave the platform for his waiting car. Vassar was glad to be rid of his presence. That frozen smile poisoned the air. He could breathe deeply now. It was fully fifteen minutes before he caught the signal Zonia waved from the steps. His niece was radiant with joy as she proudly introduced them. “Uncle John, this is my heroine, Miss Holland, and you’ve got to shake hands and be good friends now--” “I trust we shall!” Vassar cried laughingly. Virginia smiled seriously. “It depends on you, Mr. Congressman,” she responded quietly. “You know I’ve tried to be friendly for some time, but you have been elusive. I had to threaten you with death even to bring about an introduction--”