The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1903-12-17
The Member
From Utah .

BY WIN. PERRY BROWN
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.

name was called by the clerk of the
house, he at once became the center of
observation for all eyes, both on the
floor and in the thronged galleries
The curious spectators were then treat
ed to the view of tall, broad-shoul-
dered, elderly man, whose square
jawed, handsome face was clearly
shaver, except for heavy mustache
Clear, large eyes looked boldly out
from under a high, white forehead;
thick, curly brown hair streaked with
gray. protudant ears, and an air of
grave composure, were also easily us
cernible to all beholders.
AS he repeated the oath in a firm,
sonorous voice, a stylishly dressed wo-
man leaned forward from the ladies
gallery and smiled triumphantly. 9th
ers noticed her, though she seemed
conscious only of the ceremony going
on below.
His wife, I'm told" whispered a
lady visitor from Philadelphia to her
escort, young attache from one of the
foreign legations, who shrugged his
shoulders, as he mentally wondered
what new social or political idiosyncra-
cy those Americans" would develop
next. They say he actually has two
more. judge" commented a tall Texan
to noted legal luminary from the Pa
cific slope. What in hades is the
country coming to-"
The jurist smiled, murmured some
thing wherein such catch phrases as
mutual compromise" state rights"
legal interpretations" and the con-
stitution" frittered themselves into
nothingness.
Meanwhile, on back seat in the
general public gallery sat thin, faded
woman in rusty black wearing an old
fashioned veil that left little visible
of her features but a pair of sad,
time-worn eyes. No one noticed her,
nor did she appear to have eyes for
but one parsonage. This was the mem
Der from Utah, who presently returned
to his seat, glowing with the con-
seriousness of triumph. The bitter
struggle was over at last and despite
the moral prejudice of a mighty ma
ton, he would soon take his seat as
the undisputed representative of a
sovereign state.
The remainder of the session was
brief and unimportant. After the house
adjourned, the member from Utah was
Joined in the lobby by the stylishly
CARRIED woman, who took his arm. AS
they passed through the corridors a
black shadow followed them, venturing
to draw near only when they halted
before a luxuriously appointed car
riage that was waiting in the driveway
without. The stylish woman nodded
coldly, while the congressman's brow
settled into disappearing frown.
This is too bold, Eliza" said he
sternly. IF my wishes are not binding,
you should at least respect public
opinion"
Il know, Joseph" said the woman in
black timidly, "but the child is really
very i'll, and thought you ought to
know"
Send for the doctor, then" inter-
rupted he, impatiently. Secure a
nurse, if you need one, but do not
bother me. am much occupied. If
you need money, go to my secretary.
He will supply you within reason, and
now-shall l help you in. dearest?"
This to the lady on his arm, to
whom the other woman's intrusion
seemed extremely distasteful. He as
sisted her into the carriage and was
getting in himself The woman clasped
her hands.
"You ought to see the child" she
protested. Forgive me, Joseph"
"Home!" called the congressman
sharply to his coachman, and the car
rage whirled away.
AS the woman stood looking after
1t, her helpless, passive aspect was so
pronounced that more than one passer-
by noted it and wondered. But as she
slowly walked away her dumb despair
seemed to harden itself with despera-
ton.
Looks like an old servant out of a
Job and ready for suicide" remarked
one of the attendants. "Glad she is
leaving the grounds"
A week later signs of unusual prep
arations were noticeable in and about
a luxurious mansion in Lafayette
Square. The member from Utah, hav-
ing broken into congress was about to
storm society. Social recognition
seemed essential in order to round out
his victory and render his position Sc
cure. Twice during the week mes
sages had arrived for him, which read:
"The child is no better" "the child is
worse" but the handsome, stylish mis-
tress of his house had laid them aside,
saying to herself:
after my reception is over he can
CO. 1t may disarrange our plans to
disturb him now"
But that night, as he entered his
brilliantly lighted house, a messenger
boy handed him in person third yell
low envelope and darted away. Before
he could open it his wife took it away
from him, saying: "It is very likely
some household matter. Let me at
tend to II"
A few moments later, when alone,
she opened it and read:
THE child is dying Have you the
heart to still remain away?"