During the next few days the city of Merton experienced a sensation when it was told the news of that meeting at the house of the Rev. Howard Douglass. There was nothing very remarkable in the fact that Mr. Douglass and Deacon Culver had promised to go and live a part of the time in the social settlement. But when it became known that Judge Vernon, Mr. Carlton, and the Hon. William Brooks expected to work in Freetown, and actually take up their residence a part of the time in the house, everybody exclaimed in wonder. Perhaps the best idea of the way in which the people of Merton regarded the facts may be obtained from a conversation that occurred at one of the society events of that winter. It was in the house of Mrs. James Lewis, the wife of one of the railroad officials. Mrs. Lewis was president of the United Clubs of the women of Merton. Her influence in the city was second only to that of Mrs. Carlton. The two women, each in her own circle, had been leaders for many years. Mrs. Lewis was very literary, and had a talent for organization. The United Clubs often gave a series of lectures by well-known women speakers. Once every winter they met at the house of Mrs. Lewis for a reception. It was this event that was the scene of a spirited discussion over the news of Mr. Douglass's plan and its unexpected volunteers. "The plan is simply absurd," said the wife of one of the editors of _The Daily News_. "It is one of those things that belong to dreams, but have no place in practical life." "But still, some of the best things in the world come from the people who have visions. Do you remember what Mrs. Garnet said in her last lecture? 'The ideal in life is always preceded by the visionary. Some one must dream before any one will act.' There is a great truth at the heart of that social settlement." There was a pause for a moment in the room where the discussion was going on. Before it was broken, Mrs. Lewis came to the door. "Mrs. Lewis, what do you think of it?" asked the editor's wife. "You are discussing Mr. Douglass's plan for redeeming Freetown? I overheard a part of it. I'll tell you. He has been to see me about it. Shall I tell what he asks us to do?" "By all means!" exclaimed an excited chorus of voices. "He wants the United Clubs of Merton to work for an endowment fund, so that the social settlement will become a permanent institution." There was silence a moment. The women looked expressively at one another. "That isn't what we are organized to do," finally said one of the ladies. "Wholly outside of our sphere. We are neither a charity nor a church organization." "It will break up our meetings for literary culture if we turn aside to do benevolent work."