Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1900-04-17
WHEN THE
SERPENT ENTERED.
How 0Ir. Brown Got Into and Out
of Politics.

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MY dear" said Mrs. Thomas Brown,
"this is the twelfth anniversary of our
wedding day. believe you had for
gotten it."
We'll, l haven't" replied the Hon.
Thomas Brown, with fine show of in
dignation. I'm not likely to forget
the day when l got you. l remember
every detail with perfect clearness."
What kind of dresses did the brides
maids wear;"
Aud" continued Mr.. Brown, artful-
IL evading the question, I'm sure that
we have plenty of cause to be thankful
ana 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. Cn his way to the train he
made up his mind that he would send
home basket OF fruit aud 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. lie reflected, how lit
tie happiness some people get out of
life. Here was he, st!ll on the sunny
side of 10. with q sufficient income, a
devoted wife, two beautiful children
and not a 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 as men get.
In the reception room OF his office
half 81 dozen men were waiting. He
recognized one as we'll known poll
tician and greeted him with some
what chilly nod as lie closed the door
of his private room. \ clerk, however,
followed him and ushercd in the dele
cation.
We've come" said the spokesman,
'to ask you to be our candidate for
the state senate"
The Hon. Thomas Brown thanked
them and said he had neither the time
nor money to spare.
"But it will take hardly any time
and less money" was the answer.
you can be elected without bit of
trouble. You know the situation. Now
think it over and let us know tomor-
row."
AS n result of the succeeding excite
ment, which Mr.. Brown could not con-
ceal, at least from himself, lie forgot
the fruit, the roses and the diamonds.
Senator Thomas Brown" did have an
ear filling sound, as he repeated it un-
der his breath.
At . o'clock lie started to go home.
Four professional friends met him Mt
the door. They called him Senator"
and escorted him out to drink his
health. 1t was o'clock before he got
out to the South Side.
His wife met him at the door. Her
usual placidity was somewhat shaken.
"Why, Tom, what's the matter?" she
said. 81 asked you to get home early,
and here it is after o'clock and din
ner half spoiled"
I've been asked to run for the sen
ate, my dear" said the Hon. Thomas
Brown impressiyely.
"And what did you say:'
Told them I'd give them an answer
after l had consulted my wife, said
Mr.. Brown, who had already begun to
use the wiles of n politician.
81 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 II IT
was going TO make any change in ouT
home life, wouldn't think of it And
besides. lis my duty, you know. It's
my duty to the state. That will prob
ably decide me-"
II thought you were going to consult
your wifeT"
That's what I'm doing now. If
you
Lets go in and see if any of the
dinner is fit to eat We can talk ii
over afterward."
The soup was served, when there
came ring at the bell. The maid an
nounced party of gentlemen to see
Mr. Brown
Tell them Mr.. Brown is at dinner,
said his wife. "and ask them to sit
Gown"
Don't you think had better go out
! for 4 second and see who it is?" inter
rupted the prospective senator. I'll
! might be somebody from the office OIL
| important business, you know" Sc
I quickly had the virus of political am
bition begun to do its deadly work.
An hour later the Hon. Thoma:
Brown found the dining room deserted
His indignant wife was up stairs II
her sitting room.
Wei, if this is the way you are go
ing to the senate. you win never 60
with my consent she broke out 81
heard you telling those men you were
always glad and proud to welcome
them 10 yoar humble home, and then