Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/264

256 “Well, and how did you like the meeting, and who, among the speakers, pleased you best?” queried a friend, whom temporary illness had detained at home—a friend who knew all the notables by sight as well as by reputation.

“Oh, I was very much surprised by some, and disappointed by others,” was my reply. “I find that it is not always those who have the highest reputation who are the best speakers. As, for instance, this morning, by far the best speaker among the ladies was one whose name I never recollect having heard before in connection with this movement — a Mrs. Roe, of Ohio, a woman of fifty, with a slight lisp, and foreign accent, yet possessing all the fire and eloquence of youth. She was radical, sensible, forceful, and earnest. I hope that she will speak again this evening!”

“I hope so, too,” rejoined my friend, smiling at my enthusiasm over the unknown.

My friend accompanied me to the evening session, and before the speaking com-