"I will open a window." Mrs. Tweedie spoke impatiently as she got up and attempted to raise a window. It resisted her efforts. "Really, I can't imagine why it will not open--I'll try the other." She did so, but again her efforts were unsuccessful. "I guess it's the damp weather," suggested Mrs. Stout. "I suppose it is," replied Mrs. Tweedie, as she went to the door and called for Dora, and then by way of explanation turned to the ladies and added, "Dora is very strong." "Did you call, ma'am?" asked Dora, a moment later, as she appeared in the doorway. "Yes, I want you to open a window," Mrs. Tweedie replied, shortly. Dora advanced on one of the stubborn windows and exerted all her strength. Conversation ceased, all eyes were upon Dora. Failing at one window, she attempted another with the same result. The windows could not be opened by woman. "I can't do it, ma'm," said Dora, her face very red. "Call Mr. Tweedie," Mrs. Tweedie commanded. "One of those windows shall be opened!" Dora hurried from the room, and then Mrs. Stout laughed irritatingly. "Tell us, pray," said Mrs. Tweedie, haughtily, "the cause of your mirth." "You must excuse _me_, ladies," Mrs. Stout began, but another burst of laughter that she could not control prevented her from continuing for several minutes. "It struck me as awful funny that we should come here to get up a woman's club, and then have to call in a man the first thing," she explained. "Were not the _other sex_ created physically stronger than woman because it was intended that they should perform just such labour?" Mrs. Tweedie asked quickly, but before Mrs. Stout had time to reply Mr. Tweedie came into the room. "How can I serve you, ladies?" he asked as he bowed low and smiled. "Open a window, please," said Mrs. Tweedie. "Certainly, my dear," Mr. Tweedie replied as he went to a window, and, without any apparent effort, raised it. "There you are," he said, smilingly. "Anything else to-day?" (Once upon a time Mr. Tweedie had been a salesman in a dry goods store.) "No," Mrs. Tweedie replied, sharply. She was displeased with him because of his untidy appearance, and wished him to leave at once. He did so, making some senseless remark about the weather as he crossed the room on his way out. "Now for goodness' sake let's begin," said Mrs. Stout when the window was open and the incident closed. "Yes, do," echoed Mrs. Flint. "Well," Mrs. Tweedie began, "I have been reading recently a treatise on parliamentary procedure, and if I am not in error the selection of a presiding officer should be our first business. Am I not right, Miss Sawyer?" "Yes," replied Miss Sawyer. "And I do hope that you will be our first president, Mrs. Tweedie." "Oh, but I am not competent," Mrs. Tweedie protested, modestly. "Never mind," said Mrs. Stout, "take the place, we'll never get anything done if you don't." "But, really--" Mrs. Tweedie insisted upon weakly resisting.