"That's an astonishing statement," he began, ready for further banter; but she would not have it. "There are," she said, "certain things that a woman ought to do, whether she's educated or not; and I have ideas about that. So you think these people here are expecting great things of me,--" "Of course they are, and with reason," said Porter, still anxious to return to his joke. "But I do not intend to have it! When I'm forty years old I may change my mind, but right now I want--" She hesitated. "Well, what do you want, child?" he said gently, with the fun gone out of his voice. They had had their coffee, and she sat with her elbow on the table and her chin in her hand. "Why, I'm afraid I want to have a good time," she declared, rising. "And that's just what I want you to have, child," he said kindly, putting his arm about her as they went out together. Evelyn declined the honor offered her by the local council, at long range, in a note to Doctor Morris, giving no reasons beyond her unfamiliarity with political and school matters. These she knew would not be considered adequate by Doctor Morris, but the latter, after writing a somewhat caustic reply, in which she dwelt upon the new woman's duties and responsibilities, immediately announced her own candidacy. The incident was closed as far as Evelyn was concerned and she was not again approached in the matter. Her father continued to joke about it, and a few weeks later, when they were alone, referred to it in a way which she knew by experience was merely a feint that concealed some serious purpose. Men of Porter's age are usually clumsy in dealing with their own children, and Porter was no exception. When he had anything of weight on his mind to discuss with Evelyn, he brooded over it for several days before attacking her. His manner with men was easy, and he was known down town as a good bluffer; but he stood not a little in awe of his daughter. "I suppose things will be gay here this winter," he said, as they sat together on the porch. "About the same old story, I imagine. The people and their ways don't seem to have changed much." "You must have some parties yourself. Better start them up early. Get some of the college girls out, and turn it on strong." "Well, I shan't want to overdo it. I don't want to be a nuisance to you, and entertaining isn't as easy as it looks." "It'll do me good, too," he replied. He fidgeted in his chair and played with his hat, which, however, he did not remove, but shifted from one side to the other, smoking his cigar meanwhile without taking it from his mouth. He rose and walked out to one of his sprinklers which had been placed too near the walk and kicked it off into the grass. She watched him with a twinkle in her eyes, and then laughed. "What is it, father?" she asked, when he came back to the porch. "What's what?" he replied, with assumed irritation. He knew that he must now face the music, and grew composed at once.