Her face, under an ornate black hat, was like a great rose full of overlapping curves of florid flesh.

The wide mouth was perpetually curved into a bow of mirth, the small black eyes twinkled.

She was Mrs.Sarah Joy Snyder, who had come from New York to deliver her famous lecture upon the subject: "Where does a woman shine with more lustre, at home or abroad ?" The programme was to be varied, as usual upon such occasions, by local talent.

Leila MacDonald, who sang contralto in the church choir, and Mrs.Arthur Wells, who sang soprano, and Mrs.Jack Evarts, who played the piano very well, and Miss Sally Anderson, who had taken lessons in elocution, all had their parts, besides the president of the club, Mrs.Wilbur Edes, who had a brief address in readiness, and the secretary, who had to give the club report for the year.

Mrs.Snyder was to give her lecture as a grand climax, then there were to be light refreshments and a reception following the usual custom of the club.
Alice bowed before Mrs.Snyder and retreated to a window at the other side of the room.