side entrance of the town hall into the room where all public meetings
were held, and where all business connected with the town's interest
was transacted. As they reached the top the hum of many voices
greeted them. The narrow passageway was half filled with men. Some
were standing, hands in pockets; some, balancing themselves on the
railing, with feet twisted around its spokes, held their hands loosely
clasped in front, while others leaned against the wall, scribbled over
with pencil-marks and finger-prints of varying sizes, and ahead, through
the open door, could be seen both men and women.

As they came nearer, those on the railing jumped down; those leaning
against the wall straightened, and those in front made way, while hats
came off and spitting ceased.

"Good-evening," she said. "We are going to have a mice meeting, aren't
we?" She held out her hand. "How do you do, Mr. Jernigan. Is Jamie
better to-night?"

"Yes, ma'am; thank you, ma'am. He's right sharp better to-night. He's
pleased as Punch over those drawings things you sent him. Been at 'em
all day."

"That's good." She reached the door, them turned, taking off her long,
light coat which covered the white dress. "Aren't you men coming in?"

"Yes'm--that is, those of us what can." It was Mr. Flournoy, foreman
of the woolen mills, who spoke. "There ain't much room in there left
and they say some more ladies is coming, so we thought we might as
well stay out as come out. We can hear all right."