Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1890-09-18

At this unexpected declaration, Mrs.
Denton looked at him, breathed Q slight
SIGH Of relief. and grayely listened to
Whist he had to say.
Mr. Swsetlaad,- continued the young
man, has manifested kindly feeling for
me. He intends to retire at the end Of
his present term, and Ia anxious that ]
should become his successor. He has not
concealed from me, however, the fact that
the support of your father is indispensa-
BILE TO my success as candidate.
Il have therefore come here, by his ad-
vice, in ths hope Of obtaining this sup
port; but the ideas and opinions expressed
by your father at dinner yesterday.
appear to me so directly opposite to my
pretensions, that feel truly discouraged.
To be brief, Mrs. Denton, in my perplsxi-
ty conceived the idea-indiscreet, doubt
less-to appeal to your kindness, and ask
your sdvice-which am determined to
follow, whatever it may De-"
But, siri you embarrass me greatly,
said the lady, whose pretty face, ct first
clouded, frightened up Immediately with
frank smile.
ness-on the contrary, perhaps-but am
human being. and you are charitable.
Well, in truth, Mrs. Denton, tn . matter
seriously concerns my fortune, my future.
and my whole destiny. This opportunity
which now presents itself for me to enter
public life SO young, is exceptional. ]
would regret very much to lose it; would
you therefore be so kind as to aid me?"
But how can IPs replied Mrs. Denton.
I never interfere in politics, and that is
precisely what you ask me-"
Nevertheless, pray you not to oppose
me-"
why should oppose you?"
Great heavens, madaml you have q
right to be severe. My youth was little
dissipated. NV reputation. in some re-
spects, is not oyergood; I doubt not you
have heard SO, end cannot but fear il
has inspired you with some dislike for
me"
"Mr. Leland, we live very retired here.
We know nothing of what passes in New
York. If we did, this would not prevent
my assisting you, if I knew how, for
think that serious and elevated labors
could not fail happily to change your
ordinary bits"
1T is truly delicious thing" thought
the young man, Ito mystify SO spiritual a
person.
MRS. Denton, he continued, with his
quiet grace, Il join in your hopes, but
nc you deign to encourage my ambition,
/ believe shall succeed in obtaining your
fathers support. You know him we'll.
What shall l do to conciliate himp What
course shall I adopt2 Because, I cannot
do without his assistance. Were to re-
nounce that, should be compelled to
renounce my projects"
1T is truly difficult, said Clara, with q
reflective air. very difficult"
as it not, madam"
There was in the voice Of Leland such
confidence and submission that Clara
Denton was quite touched, and even the
charmed in the very depths of hell.
Let me reflect on this little" she
said, and she placed her elbows on the
table, leaned her head on her hands, her
fingers, like fan, half shading her eyes,
while sparks of fire from her rings gilt
tered in he,sunshine, and her ivory nails
gently stroked her smooth brow.
Warren Leland continued to regard her
with the same submissive and candid air.
well, sir" she said at last, smiling,
Il think you can do nothing better than
keep on"
Pardon me; but how?"
by persevering in the same system you
have already adopted with my father
Say nothing to him for the present. Beg
Mr.. Sweetland, also, to be silent. Wait
quietly until intimncy, time, and youl
own good qualities have sufficiently pre-
pared my father for your nomination. My
role is very simple. cannot, at this
moment, aid you without betraying you.
My assistance woul only iniure you until
a change in the aspect of affairs. You
must conci1iate him"
"You overpower me-" said Leland; "in
taking you for my confdante in my am
bitious projects I committed blunder
and an impertinence which slight con-
tempt from you has mildly punished.
But speaking seriously, Mrs. Denton,
thank you with all my heart. feared to
find in you powerful enemy, and find
in you o strong neutral, almost an ally.
"Oh, altogether an ally, however Sc
cret," responded Clara, laughing I am
glad to be useful to yen; as like Mr..
Sweetland very much, am happy to en-
ter into his views. All! There are Mil
dred and Edith, they are coming this way,
I think"
"Apropos, who is Miss Mildred LesterP
There is something peculiar about her;
but she is exceedingly beautiful, and she
interests me very much"
"Ah, she interests you'll Well, must
tell you her story-so far as it is known
to me; indeed, for reasons Of my own,
have had it in my mind to do so for some
days"
II shall be charmed to hear it."
%You shall; but not to-day, see, they're
coming. Heavens! What's that2"
1t was sudden rustling in the hedge
close behind them thst startled her.
"A listener! A spy!" exclaimed Le-
land, springing forward and dividing the
hedge with his hands.
The next instant he uttered an excla-
nation of astonishment.
His rapid action had revealed the
crouching form Of an old man, with q
gray beard, dark flashing eyes, and firm,
white teeth.
-1he rag g-pickerl" he cried, and a SEN
sation of dread took possession Of him.
CHAPTER XXI.
CLuGuT TN r5rs OWN aNApu