The Press., 1900-12-13

very equally between the guest of the evening and Spencer, but the latter's heart was filled with vague distrust.
 When the chatter finally ceased, Jim rapped on the table, and in nice little speech told of the purpose of the ban quet. He introduced the mayor, who briefly welcomed back Hon. Mir. Speed to Palmyra. Then Hon. Mir. Speed re- sponded in brisk speech, testifying to his delight in returning home to such friends and such welcome, senIi- ment which was greeted with loud ap- plause. Then Jim rose again, with a crumpled telegram in his hand. He much regretted, he said, to be obliged to announce that Hon. Dwight Per kins could not be with them. A tele- gram he had just received announced railway accident that blocked the road and held back MT. Perkins, 60 miles away.
 "Our regret however" said Jim, lis somewhat mitigated by the fact that we fortunately have with us as an honored guest one of the most promi- nent of New York's young political and social leaders. MT. Spencer Clifford, who will talk to us on the question of the hour"
 As Jim sat down a batter of applause ran round the hall and the long lines of faces assumed an expectant express sion.
 Remember your old debating tri- umphs." whispered the perfidious Jim, "and sail in"
 Spencer gave him a horrible scowl as | he rose to his feet. Then he turned to the auditors with pleasant smile. He put his teeth together hard. He | wouldn't be bluffed. And deep down | in his soul he felt gratitied that Jim, l despite his consummate meanness, | had confidence in him. Jim knew he wouldn't fiuke. He would say a word or two and retire as gracefully as pos sible
 When Spencer. after an eloquent | wind up. finally took his seat. the ap- plause was vigorous and long drawn | out. and Jim. his face flushed and his | eyes sparkling grabbed Spencer's hand under the table and squeezed it hard | and said: Great. my boy. great! You ought to get down on your pended knees to me for bringing you out When it was all over. Jim said: I've | must get our coats and hunt up Min nie. Minnie is Mrs. Jim. She's little l jealous of you now. Don't make her more so. By the way, she has young | woman from your overgrown town in l tow tonight. and we'll have to escort | her to her aunt's home. Know her?
 
 A little later they were out in the open air. Anna walking with Spencer and MT. and Mrs. Jim going ahead, | that acute married dame having ap- parently sized up the situation.
 After hearing you this evening"" said Anna softly, II think this is the field you are fitted for"
 There was a pause. They fell back | a little farther.
 Do you know" he asked abruptly, what it is that has awakened mel? | "No," she answered.
 "It is love- he said.
 He looked down at her. Her face was averted.
 Do you know what brought me down here? Do you know what car ried me through that speech tonight?' | "No," she softly murmured.
 Your
 A half hour later he stopped Mrs. Jim as she excused herself to the two | men smoking in the library.
 "One moment,'' he said. Il want you to know that I had mentally prom ised your scamp of husband sound thrashing for the liberty he took with
 my name tonight. but I've found he
 blundered into doing me a favor. I'm
 going to forgive him. I've even gone
 so far as to bless him." He held out
 both hands. Congratulate me, deal friends" he cried, with a radiant smile
 "I'm very happy and very fortu
 nate man."
 And then he told them about Anna Cleveland Plain Dealer.