A Vote of Confidence Read Online Free PDF Page B

but we hold our own service here,” Morgan had said. “A lot of our workers wouldn’t go into town
     for church, but they’ll sit in the tent with others while some of us share words from the Bible.”
    “Ah, then you care for the spiritual condition of the men in your employ.”
    “Yes. I do.”
    “I’m glad to hear it,” the reverend answered. “I predict that you and I shall become friends, Mr. McKinley. I do, indeed.”
    Morgan had thought then that he liked the idea of becoming friends with Kenneth Barker. The problem was time. His was all
     used up by the demands of the resort’s construction.
    “Oh, good. You are here.” Kenneth removed his hat. “I saw your automobile in the drive. Hope I’m not interrupting.”
    “You’re always welcome, Reverend. You know that.” Morgan stepped back, pulling the door open wide. “Come in.”
    “Thank you.”
    Morgan led the way into the parlor. “It’s a bit dusty. Mrs. Cheevers cleans on Thursdays.” He motioned toward a chair. “I’d
     offer you something to eat or drink, but I didn’t bring much with me from camp and I haven’t made it to the market yet.”
    “Sounds to me as if you need a wife to look after you, my friend.” With a wink, he quoted Proverbs, “ ‘Who can find a virtuous
     woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need
     of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.’ ”
    As the two men sat down, Morgan said, “I’d love to meet such a woman.”
If one exists in these modern times.
“But it isn’t easy when one’s moved around as much as I have.”
And it isn’t easy when many young women are only interested in my money.
    “Ah, but it seems you’re putting down roots in Bethlehem Springs.”
    “Making a stab at it anyway.”
    “Why don’t you join us at church on Sunday and you can make the acquaintance of a number of our eligible young ladies.”
    Morgan’s mind filled instantly with a vision of the attractive blonde he’d met on t he road t hat morning. He wondered if
     Kenneth knew her and, if so, if Morgan would meet her on Sunday as well.
    “Speaking of our town” — the reverend leaned forward — “have I been rightly informed that you are running for mayor?”
    Kenneth’s question drove out all thoughts of pretty blondes in buggies. “News travels fast.”
    “It does, indeed. Then it’s true?”
    “It’s true.”
    “Well, thank the good Lord. You may be a newcomer to our town, but I believe you’ll win easily. No one thinks Mr. Tattersall
     would be a competent public servant. It pains me to say it, but the man is rarely sober. I’m surprised he could be bothered
     to complete the paperwork required to enter the race. And as for the other candidate, I’m not sure Bethlehem Springs is prepared
     to elect a woman as mayor.”
    “A woman? What woman are you talking about?”
    It was Kenneth’s turn to chuckle. “I guess not
all
the news travels fast. Miss Gwen Arlington has declared her candidacy for office. It’s now a three-way race.”
    “But the clerk said nothing to me when I was in the municipal building this morning. In fact, he told me — ”
    “She declared for office this afternoon.”
    Miss Gwen Arlington. Probably one of those dour-faced suffragettes, the type he’d seen back East and in England. Not that
     Morgan didn’t applaud their cause. He believed in equality for women under the law, as had both of his parents. Still, there
     was something about those radical women in bloomers who marched about with signs and chained themselves to pillars and posts
     that set his teeth on edge.
    “Have you met Miss Arlington?” Kenneth asked.
    “No, I don’t think so.”
    The reverend chuckled. “If you’d met her, you would remember.”
    So he was right. Miss Arlington was one of those unforgettable radicals. No wonder Kenneth was glad Morgan was in the race.

FOUR
    When Harrison