On the evening that Penloe was relating the story of the ring to Stella, Charles and Clara Herne were sitting on the porch enjoying the beautiful evening and entertaining themselves in a conversation about the newly married couple who were expected to come to-morrow and be their guests for several days.
While they were talking about the leading part Stella had taken on the sex question, Clara said to her husband: "If Penloe had a wife made to order he could not have had a more suitable mate than Stella. That match was made in heaven."
Her husband, who had picked up some of Penloe's ideas, said: "Why, Clara, she was made to order for him."
Clara laughed and said: "Well, Charles, do you think I was made to order for you?"
"Certainly, and I was made to order for you, my dear," replied he.
Mrs. Herne said: "It is very easy to believe that persons so suited to each other as you and I, and Penloe and Stella, were made to order for each other, but how about Fred Thaxter and his wife, who were married a year ago? Mrs. Simmons called on me yesterday and told me she had heard that Fred was about to apply for a divorce."
Clara said: "I feel sorry for them both. Charles, so far, you and I have not taken any active part in the sex reform movement which has been just started. While we are of the same mind as Penloe and Stella in thought, yet we have so far been silent, except in the circle of our own home, and I think the time has come for us to show our colors."
Charles said: "My dear, I am ready to hoist the flag whenever you say the word."
Clara made answer: "I say the word now, Charles."
Charles said: "We will have a talk with Penloe and Stella and see what way we can help the movement forward."