The Washington times., 1894-12-23
had the slightest feeling in the matter what

hau the slightest feeling III the matter what
ever.
''You seemed to be on such good terms with
each other, murmurei Brant. vaguely.
Seemed" said Hooker bitterly, gIancing
sardonicaly at an ideal second row n the p.t
hefore him-''yes, seemed! There were-otler
difereaces-soc and political You UNDER
stand that-you have suffered, too. He
reached out his hand and pressed Brant
in heavy effusiveness. But he contiuued,
haughtlly. lightly tossing his glove again. I'VE
are also men OF the world we let that pass"
And it was possible that he found the strain Of
his present attitude too great, for he changed
to an easier position.
But" said Brant, curiously. II always
thought that Mrs. Hooker was intensely
Union and Northern"
"Put on!" said Hooker, in his natural voice.
But you remember the incident OF the
flag" persisted Brant
Mrs. Hooker was always an actress" said
Hooker, significantly. But" he added,
chez fully. Mrs. Hooker is now the wife OF
Senator Bornpointer, one OF the wealthie5t
and most powerful Republicans i'll Washing
ton-carries the patronage of the whole West
in his vest pocket.'
''Yet, il she is not Republican-why did
she'--began Brant.
''For purpose responded Hooker.
darkly. But" he added again with greater
cheer ness, she belongs to the very ellie of
Washington society. Goes TO all the foreign
Ambassadors balls, and is power al tne
White House. Her picture is i'll all the drst-
class Illustrated papers.
The singular but unmistasable pride OF the
man in the Importance OF the wi from wnom
lie was divorced ard for who he did not care,
woaid haze oAendei Brahts aetca:y or ai
least have excited his Tidicuie. but Tor the
reason that he was more deeply stang Ly
Hookers aiusion TO uis own vile and his de-
grazing siGitgde OF Their own conditions.
f4a lf= in. 4 .. f,f
Hookers nyiucible and still boyish extrlya-
gance. and the latter Gs at Of his equally
charactei istic assumption. Perhaps he was
conscious, TOO. Notwithstanding the lapse OF
years aad the condoaaLion OF separation and
forsetlHness. that he deserved little deicacy
from the hands OF Susy husband.
Nevertheless he dreaded 10 hear him speak
again OF her. And the fear was realized III
question.
docs she know you are here?"
'Nho:,' said Brant, curtiy.
Your wife. That isl reckon she's your
wife still, ehl''
II do not know that she Knows returned
Brant. quietly. He had regained his self
compoSure.
''Susy- AIRS. Senator Bornpointer that is''
he seemed to feel certain dignity n his
late wites new title. ''ajlo @ed that she'd gone
abroad on a secret mission from the South
ern Coniederacy to them crowned heads over
there. She was good at Topsn men in, you
know. Anyhow. Sasy-a ore she was Mrs.
Bornpoiuter- dead set on andin' out
where she was-but never could. She
seemed to drop oar OF sight year ago. Some
said one thing and some said another. Bat
yon- eau tet your bottom dollar that Mrs.
senator Bornp0inter, who knows how 10 Uuil
tine wlres in Washington. w,li know il any
one does
but IA Mrs. Bornpointer really disaTectei
and n southern symf fa' liZer2' said Brant, ''or
Is it only caprice or asB.On>' While speaking
n had r.s.a ggitl hal -a5sStracted face aad
hal gone + the window. where he stood in
loterIas attitude. Presently he opeAei the
window aud stepped oUtsi e. Hooker Won
drrinEiy followed him. one or two officers
had 'cadg stepped cut OF their rooms and
were Standing upoa the yrranda. another had
EI I'D IL ana path. Inen one Gu'ckIy re-
entered the house. reaypeaged with his cap
au sword 10 his hand aaI raq lightly toward
the guard mouse. slight crackljns noise
.seely Ell tyyeCms from beyond the garden wall.
What's up" said hooker. with staring
eyes.
''Pi"ket firing.
The c arlling suddenly became a long rat
IL. Brant fe-entered the room aHd picked
up his h.4t.
''foa II excuse ne for few moments"
A hollow sound s5oOE the hoase.
whats tnal2" gasped Hooker.
"Cagnon."