Phillipsburg herald. [volume] (Phillipsburg, Kan.) 1882-1905, 1890-09-25

At this unexpected declaration, Mrs
Denton looked at him, bEeathsd a slight
sigh Of relief, and graVely listened to
what he had to say.
s1Ir. SweetIand," continued the young
man, has manifested q kindly feeling for
me. BE intends to retire at the end OF
his present term, and is anxious that
should become his successor. He has not
concealed from me, however, the fact that
the support OF your father is indlEpensa-
bic TO my success as a candidate.
a have therefore come hers by his ed-
vice, IN the 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
prstenE1Ons, that feel truly discouraged.
To be brief, Mrs. Denton, in nay perpleXi-
ty I conceived the idea-indiscreet doubt
less-to appeal to your kindness, and ask
your advice-Which am determined to
follow, whatever it may be-"
But, sir! you embarFass ms greatly,
said the lady, whose pretty face at first
clouded, frightened up Immediately with
a frank smile.
Z have no special claim on your kind
ness-on the contrary, peEhaps-but am
a human being and you are charitable.
Well, In truth, Mrs. Denton, this 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 me2"
But how can II" replied Mrs. Denton.
Il never interfere in politics, and that is
precisely what you ask ne.
ne"
Why should I oppose your"
Great heavens, madami you have
right to be severe. My youth was little
dissipated. MY reputation, in some re-
EnarTg 10 not 0UaFUnnHs 7 Hn771F M
have heard so, and 1 cannot but fear it
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 I
think that serious and elevated labors
could not fail happily to change your
ordinary ha bits"
at is truly a delicious thing, thought
the young man, Ito mystify so spiritual
person.
Mrs. Denton, he continued, with his
quiet grace, I join in your hopes, but
as you deign to encourage my ambition,
believe I shall succeed in o obtaining your
fathers support. You know him we'll.
What shall 1 do to coRciliate him2 What
course shall adopt? Because, I cannot
do without his assistance. We're L to re-
nOunce that, should be compelled to
renOunce my projects.
1T is truly difficult, said Clara, with a
reflective air, very difficult.
as it not, MADAME"
There was in the voice of Leland such
confidence and submission that Clara
Denton was quite touched, and even the
very devil himself would have been
charmed in the very depths of hell
Let me reflect on this a little, she
said, and she placed her elbows on the
table, leaned her head on her hands, her
20 ho1F uho1fv7rr I,.-
while sparks of fire from her rings gilt
tered in the sunshine, and her ivory nails
gently stroked her smooth brow,
Warren Leland continued TO regard her
with the same submissive candid air.
Well, sir, she SAID 1T 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.. SweetIand, also, to be silent. Wait
/ quietly until intimacy, time, and your
/ own good qualities have sufficiently pre-
! pared my father for your nomination. My
| role is very simple. I cannot, at this
( moment, aid you without betraying you.
] My assistance would only injure you until
! a change in the aspect of affairs. You
must cOnciliRte him.
! You overpower me, A" said Leland; "in
/ taking you for my cOnhdante in my am
/ bilious projects I committed a blunder
/ and an impertinence which a slight con
/ tempt from you has mildly punished.
! But speaking seriously, Mrs. Denton,
/ thank you with all my heart, 1 feared to
/ find in you 8 powerful enemy, and / find
/ in you a strong neutral, almost an ally"
AOh, altogether an ally, however Sc
! cret, responded Clara, laughing. I am
/ glad to be useful to you: as I like Mr..
/ SWeetland very much, I am happy to en-
/ ter into his views. All! There are Mil
! dred and Edith they are coming this way,
I I think"
@ApropOs, who is Miss Mildred Lester2
/ There is something peculiar about her;
/ but she is exceedingly beautiful, and she
! interests me very much.
! "Ah, she interests you! Well, 1 must
! tell you her story-sO far as 1t is known
/ to me; indeed, for reasons of my own,
! have had it in my mind to do so for some
/ days.
It shall be charmed to hear it..
You shall; but not to-day, see, they re
/ coming. Heavens! What's that?"
! 1t was a sudden rustiing in the hedge
/ close behind them that startled her.
"A listener! A spy!" exclaimed Lee
/ land, springing forward and dividing the
( hedge with his hands.
/ The next instant he uttered an exclR-
nation of establishment.
His rapid action had revealed the
/ crouching form of an old man, with a
| gray beard, dark flashing eyes, and firm,
white teeth.
THE rag-picker!" he cried, md @ SEN
sation Of dread took possession of him.
CHAPTER XXI.
CAUGHT IN BIS OWN SNARE.
/ What are you doing here2" demanded
! Leland, sharply, as soon as he recovered