FERN FENWICK ARRIVES AT SOLARIS.
Fern Fenwick, accompanied by Mrs. Bainbridge, arrived at Solaris on the
afternoon of the third day previous to the tree-planting festival. When
the train reached the station, they were met by Fillmore Flagg
accompanied by George and Gertrude Gerrish, the committee representing
the farm company. With this escort to the village, they were soon
installed in a handsome suite of rooms, beautifully decorated and
furnished for their reception.
After a late luncheon, Fern Fenwick gave a private interview to Fillmore
Flagg. During this interview, which lasted more than two hours, matters
both of business and of love were discussed: love, however, claimed the
lion's share of the time. Very soon, by mutual consent, the major part
of the business was postponed until after the tour of the farm, planned
for the following day, had been completed. Then with a sigh of relief,
they resigned themselves to the sway of that potent charm of blending
magnetic and spiritual auras, which so swiftly transports reunited
lovers to a paradise of their own.
In accordance with previous plans, the next day was spent by the
visitors in driving about the farm. The first motor carriage was
occupied by Mrs. Bainbridge accompanied by George and Gertrude Gerrish,
Fillmore Flagg and Fern Fenwick following in another. Pursuing a
carefully arranged program, all points of interest were visited; the
barns and stables, herds and flocks, the meadows, the cotton and grain
fields, poultry yards, dairy, apiary, gardens, mills, store-houses,
packing-houses, factory buildings, the brick works and pottery, the
clay-beds, stone-quarries, coal and other mines.
This tour of inspection, which occupied nearly the whole day, proved
very interesting to Fern Fenwick. With her note-book in hand, and her
keen eyes on the alert to catch every salient point, she kept our hero
busy answering a host of questions. It was a long, happy day for him! To
sit so near her, to look into her smiling eyes, to listen to the musical
tones of her voice, to answer her swiftly spoken questions, to respond
to the pressure of her gloved hand upon his arm as she directed his
attention to some particular object; all seemed to him such a delicious
bit of experience, that he almost wished it might go on forever!
In the evening the reception given in honor of the Patroness of the
farm, was held in the large hall of education and amusement. In this
hall, which was handsomely decorated for the event, the people of
Solaris were assembled. They were a unit in eagerness to give expression
to demonstrations of delight when, for the first time, they were
permitted to greet the one they wished to honor: a woman whose name they
reverenced as the title of the noblest guest they could ever hope to
entertain. George and Gertrude Gerrish, with Mrs. Bainbridge, were
already seated on the stage, when Fillmore Flagg appeared, escorting
Fern Fenwick from the waiting room. Moved by one dominant impulse, the
entire audience arose to receive her. The repeated cheers of welcome
were intensified by the accompaniment of a fleecy cloud of waving
handkerchiefs.
Our heroine was well worthy the ovation: richly and artistically gowned,
she was a perfect picture of loveliness! Her cheeks flushed with the
excitement of such an unexpected demonstration, her beautiful eyes
flashing with the inspiration of her wonderful enthusiasm, her perfect
figure proudly erect with the grace and dignity of an all-conquering
magnetic presence, she captured the hearts of the people even before she
had opened her lovely lips to address them.
Warned by a gesture from Fillmore, the cheering ceased and the audience
became seated. He then introduced Fern Fenwick by a neat little speech
which provoked another storm of applause more demonstrative than the
first.
When order was again restored, at a signal from George Gerrish the
double quartet of mixed voices, which had been selected from the singers
of the musical club, came forward and, in a style which reflected much
credit on the club, gave a song of welcome composed for this particular
reception, and entitled; "She comes, she comes, she comes to us; our
wise and lovely patroness." This song, which created a real sensation,
was followed by an eloquent address of welcome delivered by George
Gerrish in his official capacity, as president of the company. His
remarks were seconded and emphasized most vigorously by long continued
demonstrations of approval from the assembled members.
In response, Fern Fenwick replied at some length in her most charming
manner. Turning to George Gerrish, she said:
"To you, the president, and through you, to the officers, members and
children of the company here assembled, I offer my sincere thanks for
the honor conferred, and for the pleasure given to me by this delightful
reception. The sentiments of kindly greeting, of keen appreciation, of
admiring approval, so beautifully expressed in your address of welcome,
have touched me deeply. I am so profoundly moved, that my heart
overflows with grateful emotions! Equally charming, and even more
gracious to me were the words and music of the song which your sweet
singers have rendered so artistically. These testimonials have so
wonderfully impressed me that I can not forget them! As the years come
and go, I shall cherish the bright memories of this eventful evening, as
added jewels with which to mark and adorn the shining links, interwoven
with the chain of my experience in life. These memories shall also serve
to strengthen my already intense interest in this most extraordinary
farm. A farm with such a wide range of improvements; with such an
imposing collection of large well constructed buildings; with so many
profitable allied industries in the full tide of successful operation;
with a general equipment so magnificent, that at every turn I am
astonished and delighted. I now understand why and how you have
succeeded in transforming the hated drudgery of farm labor into such a
pleasant, desirable occupation.
"Since the beginning of the enterprise, my interest in the work has been
constantly stimulated by the detailed accounts contained in the full
weekly reports furnished by your general manager. These reports from
time to time, I have studied carefully. Therefore I came here expecting
much. However, after my tour of inspection, I hasten to assure you, that
I was not all prepared to find such an ideal farm, already in successful
operation! A farm with proportions so generous, an equipment so
complete, and a future so promising; that when I pause to contemplate
the magical changes wrought upon it in the brief space of thirty
months, I am filled with admiration for its wonder-working, epoch-making
people! I consider it a coveted honor to be known as the patroness of
such a grand institution. People of Solaris, I am happy to be thus
identified with you. I am proud of you and your work! A work which shall
yet cause millions to rejoice! You cannot guess; no one can even
estimate, the exceeding value of this work as a shining example of what
properly organized labor can accomplish. You have succeeded far beyond
my expectations! Do not waver or turn aside for one moment! Go forward
bravely; be strong and steadfast; be encouraged with the assurance that
all times, I am ready and willing to assist you in every possible way!
Success with her golden crown waits to reward you! All the world is
watching and waiting for the victory, which you have already won.
Therefore, in the name of humanity, I am justified here and now, in
thanking you for this superb lesson in unselfish co-operation. This
lesson in self evolution, which you have given to the world, is a result
on your part as individuals, of a wise exercise of mutual trust and
confidence in each other; reinforced by the combined industry, zeal,
persistence and skill displayed in your noble efforts. By such efforts
you have made the name of Solaris justly famous throughout the length
and breadth of this Republic!
"In conclusion, Mr. Chairman, and friends, allow me to again express my
thanks for your greetings of welcome, and for every demonstration of
loving appreciation which you have so generously showered upon me."
While the hall still rang with the plaudits of a delighted people;
before Fern Fenwick could move towards her seat, George and Gertrude
Gerrish and Fillmore Flagg all hastened to her side, to offer
congratulations on the eloquence and excellence of her impromptu
address. To the observer, it was plainly evident that the effect of such
a stirring speech on the assembled co-operators was unusually
impressive. They seemed to be inspired with a deeper reverence and a
more perfect loyalty of devotion for this remarkable woman, who had so
charmed them by the power of her eloquence. Swayed by the intensity of
this deep feeling which could not well express itself in noisy cheering;
they eagerly pressed forward in a quiet orderly way toward the stage,
where George Gerrish was waiting to introduce them individually to our
heroine, the patroness of the farm. Smiling graciously as they
approached and were presented, she took each one by the hand in such an
earnest cordial manner, that all feelings of shyness or embarassment
were quickly banished. After the exchange of a few words of pleasant
greeting, they quietly returned to their seats. As the reception
progressed, many of the members improved the brief moments in expressing
their grateful appreciation, for the words of praise which she had so
enthusiastically bestowed upon them, in a speech they could never
forget.
When all were again seated, George Gerrish announced that the program
for the evening would close with three short selections, to be given by
volunteer members from the ranks of the musical and dramatic clubs. With
this part of the entertainment finished, before the people could be
dismissed, Fern Fenwick arose to bid them good night, and to thank them
for such a charming reception, which she pronounced "simply delightful!"