The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-09-17
THE senior SENATOR.


The senior senator was Ill.
Conscientious attention to legislative
duties had overtaxed his strength and
the doctors had ordered rest and
journey South.
Time was when he could have come
and gone without comment; when his
movements We're of no special moment
to any one, but that was all changed
now and the news of his contemplated
trip was an item for the papers and
matter Of interest TO many people.
To-day, as he sat on his country
house piazza and looked out across the
lawn, he congratulated himself anew
that he had not listened TO his friends
advice and sold his old home
1t was a neglected place and some
what gone TO ruin, but to eyes accus-
toned TO the shaver swards and closely
trimmed trees Of city parks there was
something refreshing in the sweep OF
grass and the expanse Of unpruned
branches that met his gaze.
The senior Senator lounging in the
shade of a Marechal Mel r0sebush and
listening to the hum of bees, the song
of bids with work behind him and re-
sponsihIlity forgotten, appreciated that
life was sweet. He was not much
given 10 retrospection. having but
scant leisure to indulge in that pas
time of the idle, but here amid the
scenes Of his boyhoOd he felt impelled
10 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 and defeat but
which mad seen him ultimately reach
the goal Of his ambition. the United
States Senate.
At this stage of his reflections his
face clouded and a deep line appeared
between his brows, for try as he might
he could not shut out of the perspect-
I've the figure of the man who had
given him his first announcement.
Tt was unfortunate that in after
years his early friend should develop
into his political rival and that the ex-
igeucies of the situation should de-
mand his sacrifice.
SELF interest was, of course, stronger
than gratitude. and he had only acted
as any other man would have acted in
his place.
After his open remuneration and pub
lic denial Of his benefactor the two men
had met frequently. but there had been
nothing in the conduct of his opponent
10 fret the successful candidate-there
had been no reproaches, no allusion to
past faVors. no hint of treachery or in
gratitude.
Indeed, his cheerful acceptance of the
situation was extraordinary. so thor
oughlv incomprehensible, that his ri
val could not but believe that it was
mask assumed for the occasion to hide
his real sentiments.
He Vrided himself upon his astute-
ness and was not at all deceived, for he
knew that beneath the guise of friend
ship * was easier TO stab. so in view
Of his suspicious he thought it wiser to
withdraw altogether from the accus-
toned association.
He went his way, the way Of the ris-
ing statesman. and the other who had
drunk deep of the cup of popular favor
and VINO knew that nothing was more
tickle than public approval. wearying Of
politics. suddenly turned his back upon
his cid life and retired to the country.
Strangely enough, his own place was
but a few miles apart from the others;
indeed. he had driven past there yester-
dav. on his way from the station and as
he looked out at the old gray house, set
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 woman
kind whom duty or affection had led to
this PARKWAY corner of the world.
It was easier to picture him a soured,
embittered man, brooding over his
wrongs. cherishing his resentments and
neurishing envy, hatred and malice
against the rival who had outstripped
him. than to think of him surrounded by
his children and his boo1s-far from the
madding crowd that had never charmed
him-living a peaceful, contented exist
ence. in love and charity with all men
and drifting gradually toward a gener-
Gus and kind old age.
The senior Senator sat up suddenly.
a vehicle that had been slowly creep
ing down the road was turning in at
his gates.
It was a ramshackle affair, drawn by
a pair of mules, driven by half-grown
lad. and when it came nearer he saw
that it's only occupant was a young
girl.
The senior Senator's courtesy to wo-
men was proverbiaL so he threw away
his cigar and when the carriage drew up
before the house he was ct the foot of
the steps to welcome his unknown caller.
She was dressed in black and when
she lifted her heavy veil he saw that
she was very pale. but that, however,
did not detract from her marvellous
beauty.
That she was stranger he recognized
instantly, but there was something odd
~ familiar in the expression of her dark
eyes.
senator Graves" she said, question
ingly. then before he could reply: 1T
is fortunate I did not miss you. for
bring you a message from my father.
am Miss Rothermel."
The Senator's expression changed. for
he guessed at once the object of this
visit.
Necessity Cfor he had heard of his old
friends need had thrown the girl upon
the world and presuming upon her
her fathers early acquaintance with
him she had come to him to ask that