The secretaries rustled papers nervously. The chairman glanced at her watch. There was a hitch in the program, but the audience did not mind a little breathing spell. The side door up front opened, and Frederick Douglass entered as quietly as possible. He looked like a huge bear. He was covered with snow which clung even to his beard and hair. With some assistance he hurriedly removed this overcoat and rubbers. After wiping his face and hair with his big handkerchief, he mounted the steps to the platform. Instantly the crowd burst into applause which continued while Susan B. Anthony took his hand and Mr. Ingersoll, leaning forward in his seat, greeted him warmly. When Douglass sat down facing the audience his broad shoulders sagged a little, and Helen fancied he closed his eyes for a moment as he rested his hands on his knees. She had not heard him since the close of the war. The touch of gray in his hair heightened his air of distinction, but she had not before noticed how his cheekbones showed above the beard. Perhaps his face was thinner. To this convention Douglass was the very symbol of their strivings. He was one of the first to see that woman’s suffrage and Negro citizenship were the same fight. He had appeared with Susan B. Anthony in her early meetings at Syracuse and Rochester. Now slavery was abolished and here he was still standing at her side. Few in the big hall heard the effort in Frederick Douglass’ voice that afternoon. They heard his words. But behind him Robert Ingersoll’s mouth tightened and a little frown came on his face. _What can I do to help?_ he wondered. Afterward, Helen Pitts tried to speak to Mr. Douglass. He would not remember her, but it would be something to write to the folks at home. But the press of the crowd was too great, and her committee was called for a short caucus. In front of the hall some time later she was surprised to see him just leaving the building. With him was Mr. Ingersoll. Helen was struck again by the somber shadows in Douglass’ face, but Ingersoll was smiling, his face animated. “Nonsense, Douglass!” she heard Ingersoll say. “What you’ve needed for a long time is a good lawyer.” He laughed buoyantly. “Well, here he is!” Douglass’ voice was heavy. “But, Mr. Ingersoll, I can’t--” Ingersoll had stepped to the curb and, lifting his cane, was hailing a passing cab. “But you can. Come along, Douglass! First, we eat. Then I shall tell you something about banking. What a spot for _you_ to be in!” They climbed into the cab, and it rolled away through the gathering dusk. Helen walked to her room, wondering what on earth they had been talking about.