The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-01-20
'THE OTHER morning I sat down
and drew forth my papers, pre-
n paratory to writing scathing ar
III al ILL.,. ,.AIa ,l..

n ticle for The Future Quarterly,
which was to appear under the
imposing title Of con Certain Phases in
the Evolution of the Ethics of Bribery
and Corruption
I had barely begun to write the first
sheet when "A lady to see you, sir,
said my housekeeper She won't give
her name, but says it is about some-
thing very particular"
"Show her up" I said.
A minute later a goodlooking girl
stood in the doorway. She was young,
very shy and very uncertain as to what
she should do next.
Good morning! You wish to see
me-" 1 said. drawing the most comfort
able chair toward the fireplace.
"Yes-s," she said, sitting down as she
spoke.
There was a long pause.
"I-er-I-ah-I hope / am not dis
! turbing you," she said at length, bring
ing the sentence out with a little rush
and giving a glance at my papers.
Not in the least murmured, turn
ing. my chair slightly around in order
| to face her.
Another pause, during which l came
to the conclusion that the good-looking
girl was decidedly pretty. She was
slight and graceful and wore small
hat, from under which her curly hair
strayed over her forehead.
First she fdgeted with her muff, out
| of which she brought bundle of papers
and a pattern of blue serge. The latter
was hastily replaced, while the papers
lay on her knee.
| "Charity" | Sai,t TO myself.
IL have called about your vote,
| she said ut last.
| l groaned inwardiy, but said, Yes
in a tone that | considered encourage
| ing.
| "And-d--and-I hope you will sup
port my uncle" she went on, not look
| ing up from her occupation of sIoli-
| ing her muff.
Your uncle is one of the candi"
da tes ?" / asked, feeling that something
was required OF me.
"Yes-s-and mamma and ! have come
| to help him." she said, as if this sim.
| plfied matters.
"He is fortunate in obtaining so en-
thusiastic Il supporter" L murmured.
"Oh, l don't know about being much
of a help she said in 81 rather de-
|
some canvassing for him. that is all
don't know very much about cleo
tions. but OF course uncle understands
all that kind of thing perfectly"
1t certainly looked as if he did under
stand thing or two, getting his pref
ty niece TO canvass for him, | thought
! Aloud l said:
"Of course he does, but it is the
canvassing that tells when the polling
day comes. Do you find it very dis
| agreeable work."
Il don't know about its being dis
agreeable" she said with "A polite lit
tie smile; but l am rather afraid
people think one nuisance when ont
calls about their votes"
"On the contrary" l FASTENED to as
sure her, lit helps one to understand
the matter clearly"
personally, felt. as I looked at the
pretty lady sitting in the low chaiI
by my fire, that it would he a privi-
lege to be canvassed in this way every
day of the weell),
"Thut is exactly what uncle thinks,
she said, getting pink with pleasure
lie says a personal interview is worth
any amount of literature upon the
| subject, but must not forget to leave
! the papers," she said, hurriedly stuflinp
| them back in her muff in her agitation
while / stopped to pick up bunch oI
yioleIs which had dropped off it dur
ing the process and handed them bach
| 10 her,
"Oh, thank YOU, Please do not tou'
ble," she said in Il little hutter OF con-
fusion, tucEing them into nest of lace
and ribbon and giving them little
tug to set them in position as she rose
preparatory TO taking her leave,
II don't think there Is anything
else 1 had to say eXcept-eNcept thai
! | hope you will give uncle your sup
| port" she ended, looking up with q
| glance full of anxious inquiry.
My views upon the advantages of the
secrecy OF the ballot rushed through
my mind as | answered: Most Ger,
tainly | Will After what you have told
me j feel assured that your uncle is
the very man we are wanting to repre-
sent TO us and look after our inter-
ests."
oh. | am so glad / have really con-
! yinced someone" said the pretty girl
! with a blush of pleasure that was
worth anything To see as she gave q
sniff OF delight at the Violets.
| Your arguments have clearly con