Page:Edgar Jepson--the four philanthropists.djvu/184

176 came round to play bridge, and we told them of the plight of the unfortunate Jnbb. They were a little disappointing; they did not rise to that height of passionate indignation we expected.

Bottiger said: "Of course we must make up a purse for them, and see if we can't find the husband a job."

"Yes, I should think we can work it," said Chelubai. "Of course every kind action in this life helps to give you a better physique and better health in your next incarnation."

"We must do more than that," said Angel, with decision. "We must remove his horrible stepmother. That's what the G. P. R. C. is for."

Chelubai's face fell, and he said doubtfully: "I've never given my mind to the matter of removing a woman. I've never sized it up as coming within the sphere of the Company's operations. It goes rather against the grain." "Now, in the name of Fortune, why?" I said. "Surely women can be just as objectionable as men, as potent for harm, as hampering to the progress of the human race!"

"Women are the elevating force in society," said Chelubai, with simple, manly faith.

"Oh, get out!" I cried in disgust. "Do not be such a blind sentimentalist!"

"They uplift us," said Chelubai, with an air inconceivably rapt and foolish.