d Hotel which occupies the site of the old Northumberland House on
Trafalgar Square. They soon learned that the English matrons are devoted
mothers, that they take long walks, dress their children simply, and that
their daughters have fair complexions, are modest in manner, and are the
pictures of health.

Many of the English women find time to study national questions, to
organize "Primrose" and "Liberal Leagues," and to vote on municipal
affairs. Miss Helen Taylor and other cultivated women have been elected
members of the London school board, and aided in temperance reform.

While Alfonso, Leo, Lucille, and May were absent studying the artistic
life of the metropolis, Mr. and Mrs. Harris, Gertrude, and George spent
most of the day planning for the future. Reuben Harris and his wife had
repeatedly talked over the Harrisville affair, and their trips in London
where so many generations had lived and passed away had given both
clearer ideas of life.

"At best," thought the colonel, "life seems short indeed." More than once
he admitted to his wife that his early privations had made his life in
Harrisville selfish and inconsiderate, that the questions of higher
civilization were involved in the vigorous efforts of humanity for a
closer brotherhood, and that if God permitted him he would lend a helping
hand.

Mrs. Harris, naturally proud, was slow to respond to the colonel's new
ideas, but he felt that under Gertrude's generous influences his wife
would prove a help rather than a hindrance. Mrs. Harris knew that
Gertrude and George, who had received a broad education, were ambitious
to do good, and besides she trusted and loved them both.

It was clear to George and Gertrude that little or no hindrance would be
offered to wise plans of usefulness. It was finally agreed that Colonel
Harris and George should spend a week or two visiting some of the great
industrial centers of Europe, and that Alfonso and Leo should accompany
the ladies to Paris, and then visit the haunts of the old portrait
painters of the Netherlands.

It was also decided by George and Gertrude that they would be married in
Paris. This made the two lovers happy; for soon the two diamonds and ruby
would be advanced to the ring finger, as promised by Gertrude on Mt.
Holyoke. Each felt that an inexpensive marriage in Paris would be a
fortunate escape from possible criticisms at home. Colonel Harris had
promised Gertrude a special gift of a thousand dollar