New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-11

worry. Politics hate as hate ugliness; and
now I obliged to house poltician-not
only one. but two"
"But. dear Mrs Blythe. don't talk politics to
you r,
air is thick with II. Now, Mr.. Fanshawe. you
know | like YOU | hope you will come here as
often as you can; but on one condition.
And that s?' said Jack.
THAT no politics are talked. You must con-
slider my house neutral ground
Jack laughed and looked at Miss Denton.
VERY we'll" he said. Outside these walls
you and are deadly foes we VIII neither give
nor take quarter. But here we meet as friends'
What do you say. Eleanor!
Yes Jack will be friends
And they shook hands on 1t.
".
And so Jacks life fell asunder into two por-
tons The one part. and this was the only part
that seemed real. spent with Eleanor Den
ton his opponent. at Mrs. Blythe's house. or In
walks or In hastily snatched excursions on the
river. The other part. which seemed to become
more and more phantasmal and unreal was
spent in fighting against the GIRL whom he had
discovered to be a necessity Of his existence, and
fighting against her on an issue which became
more and more unintelliglble as the time for
polling drew near.
For day or two Jack had held his ground.
But the forces behind him were too much for
him. The old party lines were obliterated, and
the only broad question which remained was
that of sex Eleanor Denton was the mems
candidate. Jack Faashawe was supported by
the women. But what was wanted by the men
or BY the women beyond the Immediate success
of their respective candidates was more IMAM
Jack could discover.
II was Miss Dolby who swept him off his legs.
In canvassng Miss Dolby was supreme. Miss
Thyme had no imagination, Mss Marabout
had no ideas. Mrs. Parfitt had no breath. But
Nj. cd al defects
sides she had no conscience She took Jack TO
call on all the leading residents on the trades
mems wives. and at the cottages OF the artisans.
Her method simplicity Itself. She knew In
stinctively what each person wanted, and she
promised that Jack would see 1t done. Within
a week Jack found himself up to the ears In
political promissory notes. He had undertaken
10 close all the public houses in ExfOrd. TO lower
the price of GIN to abolish the School Board to
put tax on bachelors and to Introduce a
Servants Sunday-out bill.
But. my dear Miss Dolby" he sometimes pro-
tested when she had committed him to some
unusually outrageous scheme. you are promis-
ing more than can possibly do"
What does il matter? she replied, gayly
"You needn't do it. you know.
But surely that's little dishonest. isn't IT,
said Jack.
you want to get III, don't you! said MISS
Dolby.
''Of course" replied Jack.
well. If you aren't willing to oblige people
YOU won't get votes and if you don't get votes
Jack was forced to admit ruefuy that 1t was
quite plain.
Anyhow" he said Il shall look to you to
explain matters when people ma can I Keep
your promises.
''Oh. it won't matter when you are in Parlia-
ment." said Miss Dolby. People can't lose
their seats for telling fbs. can they?'
fortunately not" replied Jack.
Still. he could not help feeling uneasy at the
situation He seemed to be losing his grip OF
things Events moved. and carried him along
h.1- ccl,- mill t. nfrol MiGc
tongue was a task beyond his power, and. for all
he knew the rest Of his committee were max
ing promises as wild and inconsistent as hers
All but Miss Thyme. For Miss Thyme. who
wore a bombazine dress. and had read John
Stuart Mill. had well-ixed ideas Of her own on
the nature of representative government. and
thoroughly disapproved Of the reckless and ire
sponsible methods of Miss Dolby and the younger
members of the committee. Whence 1t came
about that Jack turned more and more to Miss
Thyme At the afternoon receptions In the
committee-r0Om TO which the ladies Of Exford
would pour in for tea and talk. Jack was usu-
ally to be found taking refuge In corner with
Miss Thyme. And it even occurred TO him that
with her help he might throw away the en-
barrassng support of Miss Dolby. and take his
stand firmly rational programme. He de-
termined at least, to make the attempt.
V.
The opportunity soon offered itself. Coming
into his commttee-room one day after long
mornings canvassing with Miss Dolby. he found
Miss Thyme alone. writing letters. She looked
up when Jack came in, and pushed her papers
aside
You look tired. MIR Fanshawe." she said.
Il am worried, and should be very glad of
quiet talk with you
Miss Thynne's hand trembled slightly as she
took off her glasses Doubtless she felt flattered
at becoming the recipient of future NJ. P's con-
fidences.
Jack sat down beside her and reflected for a few
moments He was not quite certain what he
wanted to say. He was only vaguely conscious
OF feeling OF uneasiness in his present position,
and desire to set himself right in the eyes of'the
only member of his committee whose opinion he
valued.
She must despise him, he thought, for not max
ing holder stand against Miss Dolby and the
frivolous section Of the party. What If he threw
them over, and frankly disavoked their proceed
ings?
That would ALLEVIATE nn.-tenths Of the Exford
women and ruin his chances Of election. Which
would certainly not be fair TO the party leaders
who had sent him down to do the best he could
for their cause.
Was 1t too late to retire, and leave the honor Of
representing Exford to some less scrupulous can
ddate?
by Eleanor Denton. Not quite pleasant
thought. 1t seemed to cut across certain hopes
and prospects which as yet were only dimly out
lining themselves in the future
And again. the thought OF beating Eleanor Den
ton was not much more auring than that of be-
ing beaten by her.
Altogether he found himself cornered in blind
alley. TO go seemed dishonorable; to retreat
disgraceful.
Jack watched Miss Thyme silently for few
moments. she Is dear, motherly little SOUL,
he thought to himself And think she will
understand the situation. I'll take her advice
as to whether ought to chuck up the whole
thing, whether / am bound to go I'll
put 1t to her straight.
Now a very few years Of political life is enough
to incapacitate a man from putting anything
straight
Miss Thyme looked up. and caught Jacks eye.
you wanted II speak TO me. Mr. Fanshawe,"
she said
Yes" replied Jack. slowly. II wished to
suit you on a matter which concerns me very
closely. But in strict confidence. | may rely