m the life of his beloved Fern! With a sigh of
contentment, he prepared to devote himself more ambitiously and more
industriously than ever before, to the development of Solaris Farm. He
wooed every inventive thought; he planned night and day to overcome all
obstacles that presented themselves. In his letters to Fern Fenwick,
rejoicing in a freedom to express himself without restraint on the
limitless theme of his great love for her, he filled page after page
with eloquent adoration of his heart's chosen one--his highest ideal of
the glorious perfection of womanhood. The effect on Fillmore Flagg of
this fervent, all-absorbing love, was most excellent; it broadened and
purified his life, eliminating from it all the dross of selfishness. He
took a new interest in the lives of every married couple and every pair
of lovers on the farm. By persevering effort, tact and skill, he
completely won their confidence. He shared their hopes, plans, joys,
sorrows, loves and crosses. In all this he never once failed to increase
their love for him and their devotion to the farm.

CHAPTER XVIII.

CLUB LIFE AT SOLARIS.

In the work of building up in the minds of the co-operators, an abiding
faith in Solaris Farm and its future success, Fillmore Flagg had the
able support of George and Gertrude Gerrish. They had proved themselves
the right people in the right place! In the schools and nursery Gertrude
had become invaluable. Her genial temperament, her fondness for
children, the kindly influence of her great mother-heart, with its never
failing store of sympathy, patience, tact and skill, all attested that
she was a natural teacher whose presence among the children was a
perpetual benefaction, while the wonderful store of her personal
magnetism brought her the love, respect and obedience of both the old
and the young. They instinctively felt her power to make them wiser,
better and happier. This was a well merited tribute of praise, worth a
king's ransom in gold!

George Gerrish soon became very popular on account of the extraordinary
ability he displayed in organizing the members of the farm company into
the numerous clubs devised to promote the interests of education,
science and amusement. The description which follows will serve to
illustrate his skill as an organizer in carrying out the general plan
prepared by Fillmore Flagg. In addition they will give a clear idea of
the scope and variety of the talent developed, together