The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1900-02-21
WHEN THE
SERPENT ENTERED.
How Mr.. Brown Got Into and Out
of Politics.

&~~~<e%$%%1~%%%%~<<<>>~<<S
MY dear" said Mrs Thomas Brown
this is the twelfth anniversary of our
wedding day | believe you had for
gotten It,"
"Well, l haven't" replied the Hon
Thomas Brown, with fine show of In
dignatlon. Pm not likely to forget
the day when got you. remember
every detail with perfect clearness."
what kind of dresses did the brides
maids wear?"
"And," continued Mr., Brown, artful-
ly evading the question, I'm sure that
we have plenty of cause to be thankful
and happy. Certainly no man ever had
n better wife"
THANK you, my dear, and come
home early tonight, SO that we may
have little celebration"
After this pleasing episode the Hon.
Thomas Brown started down town to
his office. On his way to the train he
made up his mind that he would send
home a basket OF fruit and some roses
and later In the day he would stop at
the jewelers. to look at the bracelet his
wife had admired.
| 1t WAS strange, he reflected, how lit
tie happiness some people get out OF
life. Here was he, still on the sunny
side of 40, with n sufficient income, n
devoted wife, two beautiful children
and not worry In the world. His
| place in his profession was assured
His neighbors respected him. He could
see no cloud on the horizon of his
hopes. He was as near complete con
tentment rs men get.
In the reception room of his Office
| half dozen men were waiting. He
recognized one ms well known poll
tician and greeted him with II some
what chilly nod as he closed the dool
OF his private room. A clerk, however
followed him and ushered In the dele
cation.
| "We'ye come" said the spokesman
ito ask you TO be our candidate fo
the state senate"
The Hon. Thomas Brown thanked
them and said he had neither the tint
nor money TO spare.
"But II will take hardly any tim,
and less money" was the answer
"You can be elected without bit o.
trouble. You know the situation. Now
think 1t over and let us know tomor
row."
As result of the succeeding excite
ment, which Mr.. Brown could not con
ceal, at least from himself, he forgot
the fruit, the roses and the diamonds
Senator Thomas Brown" did have an
ear filling sound, as he repeated II I'M
der his breath.
At 8 o'clock he started to go home.
Four professional friends met him Mt
the door. They called him Senator"
and escorted him out to drink his
health II was o'clock before he got
out to the South Side.
His wife met him Mt the door. Her
usual placidlty was somewhat shaken.
"Why, Tom, what's the matter" she
said II asked you to get home early
and here ii IL after o'clock and din
ner half spoiled"
give been asked to run for the sen
ate, my dear" said the Hon. Thomas
Brown impresslyely.
"And what did you say?"
'Told them I'd give them an answer
after had consulted my wife," said
Mr. Brown, who had already begun to
use the wles Of politician.
IL hate to think Of your going into
politics, Tom, and"
"But the senate Isn't exactly politics
| am assured that | can be elected
without an effort on my part. If II
was going to make any change IN our
home life, wouldn't think Of 1t. And
besides, It's my duty, you know. Its
my duty TO the state. That VIII prob
ably decide me.
Il thought you were going to consult
your wife,
THAT'S what I'm doing now. II
YOU
Lets go In and see If any of the
dinner IL fit to eat. We can talk II
over afterward."
The soup was served, when there
came a ring at the bell. The maid an
nounced party Of gentlemen TO SET
Mr.. Brown
"Iell them Mr. Brown is at dinner,
said his wife. "and ask them to sill
| down."
Don't you think | had better go out
| for n second and see who 1t isT' Inter
rupted the prospective senator III
might be somebody from the office on
important business, you know" Sc
| quickly Ind the virus Of political am
bltlon begun to do It's deadly work.
An hour later the Hon. Thomas
Brown found the dining room deserted
Ills indignant wife was up stairs In
her sitting room.
"Well, If this Is the way you are go
ing to the senate. you will never &c
with my consent" she broke out. 81
heard you telling those men you were
always glad and proud to welcome
them to your humble home. and then