It is true that the lady herself was called by names universally resented by women, and that the broadest slanders were circulated about her character.

Still, a halo of glory hung round her.

It was felt that she had done a surprisingly courageous thing when she faced Mr.O'Rourke on his own platform.

Also, she had behaved with a certain dignity, neither throwing chairs nor stones at her opponents.

Then, she was an undeniably beautiful woman, a fact which made its inevitable appeal to the young men.