The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1890-05-30

an incubus upon the house
To be made Speaker OF the House WINS now
his great object. Tint seat obtained might
serve az o stepping. stone to n still higher
dignity.
While Mr.. Deville was forming his political
schemes in London. Lady Adelaide. who loved
retirement, had remained in her country
home ut Richmond, q governing her household,
entertaining her neighbors, and Dispensing
her charities. But at the next meeting OF
Parliament. when the question of electng
their speaker was expected to arise, Mr. Do.
vile sent for his wife; for he we'll knew how
great would DO the silent. unrecognizetl, un.
conscious influence OF this beautiful and gift.
ed woman. even in political circles, and upon
his own political success.
Ever obrdent to his slightest wish she le I
her loved retirement and came up to the city,
though ''innoeont of The cause" of her sum.
mons.
Ar. Derille, with the assistance of Lady
Adelaide. commenced series of entertain.
ments. The resut answered his ex pectntiOns.
Lady. Adelaide: meoE. refined and retiring,
but also Individually talented. accomplished,
fashion. Her house was the resort of all
the most distinguished men and
lovely women il sociaty herself even the
most lovely. Her petit soupers were
faultlese, her soirees perfect. Her benuty, her
grace, her amiability, won her universal IN.
'EoT. Ahu nor chaTHs Decame an element In
har husbands popularity and power.
The day upon which the votes oftho House
were to be polled for the election OF their
Speaker arrived.
The memt,ers of the House were all in their
seats, and the galleries were filed. Then
some formal, tedious preliminaries we're
passed through. And then ut length, the ca,,.
didates for the Speakers chair we're nouinat
ed.
In those days these questions were decided
with much more rapidity than mt present.
The poll was taken. Mr.. Orville Devile was
elected Speaker of the House Of Commons l,y
u lnrge majority.
with accamation. When the noise hnd sub.
sided. member arose and moved that tho
new Speaker he indicted into his office, and
the motion WAS carried unanimously.
Orville Deville, attended by his chief friends
advanced to the upper end of the hall. and,
amidst the breathless interest Of the specta.
tors. aacendcd the stairs and seated himself
in the Speakers chair, where the oat, of Of
fee was administered to him lie spoke the
required words kissed the sacred book, and
returned it to its place, And then, in the
midst OF the eager attention of all present,
he arose to deliver his opening address
But among oil the company of distinguished
men and beautiful women present, there wns
one person OF whom he thought pre-eminent-
ly-hs lovely wife. There she sut, the most
beautiful where all were beautiful, the most
gifted where all were gi ted, the most inter-
csted whore oil were intent. She symputhis.
ed IN his elcvation-would she approve the
principles by which he intended to secure hin
position? He could not hopeit He had
bowed to bis audience, and Ibid his hnnd
upon the notes. for bis address, and was just
about TO open his mouth to commence,
Which,
young man, closely wrapped in long
Spanish cloak and having his emp drawn
down over his eyes. hurried towards the
Speakers sent. The Sergeant.at-Arms essay.
cd 10 stop him; but with the single phrase
"A matter of life and death!" the young man
pushed on and assembled the stairs, thrust
sealed paper in the hands of the Sneaker
with single word that tolled like death.
bell through the room, he turned, retrented
and was lost in the crowd.
The Speaker tore open the paper, cast his
eyes over thscontsnts, grew deadly pals. and,