Helen nudged the girl next to her and whispered, “I didn’t hear—What’s going on?”
“Delegates to the National Convention,” came the low answer.
“But—”
“Sh-sh! You’re on your way to fame and fortune.” The girl grinned as the chairman rapped for order. She was ready to put the motion.
“It has been moved and seconded that Miss Helen Pitts be our delegate in Washington next month. All those in favor say ‘Aye’.”
The “Ayes” had it, and everybody beamed at Helen.
“Get up! You’re supposed to thank them!” Her friend nudged her.
It was silly to be nervous—they were all her friends. But the hazel eyes were dangerously bright and the neat, folded kerchief at her throat fluttered.
“Ladies, you do me great honor,” she said. “I—I’ll try to be a good representative.” She swallowed and then spoke resolutely. “We know why we want votes for women—not for any of the silly reasons some men say. We must be very sure and as courageous as our leaders. They are taking the fight right to the Capital, and I promise you we’ll fling it into the very teeth of Congress, disturbing their peaceful complacency until they will be forced to action.”
They did not have enough funds in the treasury to send a delegate from Seneca Falls. Helen would go down to Washington a week before her job started.