The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1902-08-26

The season at the national capital
was at its height; the whir of fashion
was in the air, and it seemed the social
question would if possible absorb the
political one. K. street was crowded,
for it was Cabinet Day" and two
members Of the Presidents official
family resided there within a square Of
each other.
Some people just think they are
enjoying themselves" Richard Stacy
exclaimed, indicating with his cane
the stream of callers pouring into the
Secretary's door.
They are not after pleasure" Har-
vey Johnston replied, smiling, they
are following the band"
The two men had walked into the
street together and stood in front Of
Johnston's home watching the scene.
oh, vanity Of vanfties,
How wayward the DEGREES Of fate are;
How very weak the very wise,
How very small the,very great are.
Stacy quoted-following his friend
into the house.
They left their top coats in the hall
and went directly to the library. The
low book cases lining the walls were
filled with handsome volumes, some Of
them rare and difficult to obtain, and
the center table was covered with mag
azines and journals, scientific and po-
liticaL. A bronze head of Minerva held
the letters and loose papers on the
desk in place.
Stacy seated himself in an easy chair
and appropriated a footstool.
Thoughts are battling with each
other for a channel of ~utterance in this
room" he said, glancing up at the
busts Of statesmen standing guard over
the books, mo wonder your editorials
are a surprise to your friendsl"
Harvey was amused. But my val
liant effusions are launched from the
Office down town"
Nonsense" the army officer per-
sisted, Il do not care where they are
written they are inspired in this room,
l believe in this chair"
Johnston was looking for a box Of
cigars.
Il thought these could not be lost .
he said. placing the Havanas before his
guest.
1t was growing dark. and the fire
had become the significant light in
the library. Clouds of smole curled
lazily above their heads.
Il wish you would not leave Wash
ington tonight. I want you to go to
the Warrens' with me, they made quite
a point of your coming" Johnston
said.
At first Stacy way back in his chair
seemed too comfortable to reply, then
he leaned forward. 1T is out of the
question, old man, 1 claim a social
furlough when away from home"
Tell me, Dick" the editor watched
the rings of blue vapor as he spoke,
were you ever hard hit?"
IF l understand you, no."
But the question aroused his inter-
est. Harvey" he continued, do you
remember a picture that hangs in ny
room to the right as you enter?''
Johnston nodded, a look Of genuine
amusement showing in his eyes.
1T was copied from a rough draw
ing l made in war times" Stacy left
his seat, and stood with his back to
the fire. To-day 1 thought l saw that
face again; it was somewhat older and
very much sadder. 1 was going TO
the Navy Department to see McNa,ry
and passed her as I crossed the Avenue
from Lafayette Square"
The servant anne in to light the gas.
Many carriages rolled by outside, an
nouncing the fact that the Secretary's
home for the present had lost its In
portance as the gathering place of
fashion.
Harvey watched his friend with in
creasing interest. Il shall induce you
to remain over another day he de-
cided mentally, upon the chance OF
meeting this love of long ago. and
take you with me to the Warrens' TO-
night"
When Stacy was presented to Miss
Clarke of Tennessee that evening, he
was conscious of a sudden exhilara-
ton.
"Of Tennessee?" he repeated.
The notes of low music filled the
house, palms waved their graceful