The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-09-27
Tho senior senator was i'll.

Tho senior senator was i'll.
conscientious attention TO Legislative
duties had oyertaxed his strength aud tho
doctors had ordered rest and journey
south.
lime was WHOM no could have come
and gone without comment; when his
movements were OF no special moment 10
any one. but that was oil changed now
and the news of his contemplated trip
was an item for the papers and matter
Of interest To many people.
Today, as no sat on mis- country house
piazza and looked out across tho lawn, te
congratulated himself anow that he baa
not listened to his friends advice and
sold his old home.
IL was "a neglected place anu somewhat
gone to ruin, but To eyes accustomed 10
the shaven swards and closely trimmed
trees OF city parts there was soIsthin~
refreshing in the sweep OF grass and th'
expanse of unpruned branches that met
bis gaze.
Ihs senior Senator, lounglng In tho
listening tn the hum OF bees, the song or
birds. with work behind him and respon-
sibility forgotten, appreciated that llie
was sweet. he was not much Rlvan 10
retrospectiun, having but scant leisure To
indulge in thai pastime OF the iulo. but
hsre amid the scenes OF his boy hood he
felt impelled to pause and look back on
the years that had gone.
Busy crowded years they were years
that had brought him alternate pain and
pleasure, triumph anu aeiea', out
which had seen him ultimately reach tAo
goal OF his am bition, tho United states
Senate.
At this stage OF his reflections his fac,
clouded and deep line appeared bot",oA
his brows, for try as he might no could
not shut out of the the perspective the
figure OF the man who had given Lin
his frst encouragement.
It was unfortunate that in after years
his carly friend should develop into his
political rival and that the eXigenoIes VI
the situation should demand his sncriiica.
Self-interest was OF course STR nger than
gratitude, and he had only acted as any
other man would have acted in his place.
After his open ronunciation and pubic
denial Of his Denefactor the two men met
frequently, but there had been nothing in
the conduct OF his opponent to irot the
successful candidate--there had been no
reproaches, no aIiusion To past fayors, no
hint of treachery or ingratitude.
Indeed, his cheerful acceptance OF the
situation was extraordinary, so thoroughly
Incompetence ole. that his rival could
not but believe that ~ was mask as-
sumeu for tho occasion to hide his real
sentiments.
He pridei himself upon his astutene.s
ana WAS not at all deceived, for he know
that beneath the guise of friendship it
was easier t0 stab. SO in view OF his sus-
picion he thought it wiser To wit, draw
altogether from tho accustomed associa-
tion.
lie went mis- way, the way of the rising
statesman. and the other who bad drank
deep OF the cup OF popular favor and VINO
knew that nothing was more fick.e than
public approval, wearyiDg OF pClitics,
suddenly turned his back upon his Old
iite ana retired TO the country.
.lt tnh 10 ,ala
but few miles apart from the Others;
indeed, he had driven past there yester
day, on his way from the station ano as
ho looked out at the olu gray house, seS
down amid its trees. he had wondered idly
what manner OF life the people back there
lived.
A duh. .monotonous existence surely and
he could not but pity the womankind
whom duty or affection had led to this
lar away corner Of the world.
Ii was easier To picture him soured
eniDittered man, brooding over his wrong.
Cherishing his resentments and nourlsh-
ing envy, hatred and malice against tho
rival VINO had oatstripped him. than 30
think OF HIM surrounded by his children
und his books far from the madding
crowd that had never charmed him-liv-
ing peaceful, oontenteu existence, In
love anu charity with all men and DRIFT
ing gradually toward generous and
kind old age.
Inc senior Senator sat up suddenly.
A vehicle that had been slowly creeping
town the roau was turning In at his
gates.
1t was ramshackle affair, drawn by
pair OF rules. driven by n half-arown lad,
ana when II came nearer he saw that Its
only occupant was young girl.
Ihe senior senator's courtesy 20 women
was proyerbial, so no threw away his
cigar and when the carriage ureW up
bef,Te the house hc was ut the fout Of the
step 10 welcome his unknown caller.
she was dressed in tlick and when she
lifted her heavy veil he saw that she WAS
very pale, but tnat however, ala not
detraGt from ter marvellous beauty.
Ihat she was stranger ho recognized
instantly, but there was something Oddly
familiar in the expression Of hei dark
eyes
Senator GrivesY" she said, question.
ingly, then before he ooulu reply 1T Is
fortunate l did not miss you, Tor 1 bring
you message from my father. 1 avn Miss
Ruthermei.'
The Senator's expression changed, for
he GUESSED at once the object of tnls visit.
Necessity (for he had heard of his UIu