The Somerset reporter., 1906-04-26
MignOn's
Political By
BELLE
Instinct MASIA7Rs
Copyright, 1905, by E. C. PARCELS

Ruth's retinue of ex-schoolmates
were paying her a visit at the execu-
tive mansion, the home OF her uncle,
Stephen Thorn, governor of the state,
likewise guardian of Ruth. Sometimes
1t was difficult for him to determine
which of these positions presented the
more intricate complications.
He was past his youth, but had not
yet approached middle age. The ex-
school friends found him awe inspiring
and regarded him from a distance with
romantic interest.
THAT little silvery patch on each
temple is so distingue," ardently de-
clared Lucille.
Makes one think of the leading man
in play when ten years are supposed
to elapse between acts" giggled Mi
gnon Gray.
1t was a source of delight to the 9th
ers that even Mignon felt the influence
Of their hosts demeanor and refrained
in his presence from indulgence in friv-
olous conversation.
To Mignon it was a matter for cha
grin. She fortified herself continually
by impressive reminders that he was of
the people, for the people, by the peo-
pie, even as she and that governor
was not so much anyway, but the gu
bernatorial dignity hung round him
still, and her forced courage oozed
away whenever he addressed her.
One morning the retinue, with the ex-
ception of Mignon, trooped away to
the golf links. Mignon remained at
home to write letters, but when she
knew herself to be alone in this big
stately house she suddenly experienced
sensation of her childhood days and
was impelled by an irresistible desire
ito be naughty" The daring idea OF
calling upon Ruth's uncle seized her.
I'D like to see him on duty" she
mused. ~ might-yes, will-go incog-
nito."
There was a chest upstairs contain
ing garments belonging to Ruth's de-
parted kin.
Presently there emerged from the ex-
ecutlve mansion quaint little figure
clad in an old fashioned flower sprlg-
ged skirt, a lace mantilla, neat straw
bonnet and lace edged veil.
The capitol was only short distance
from the executive mansion, and MI
gnon met few persons. The guard who
stood in the broad corridor as she en-
tered did not vouchsafe her second
glance as he directed her to the execu-
tive office.
Mignon did not follow his directions.
Ruth had told her how she gained his
private sanctum when she was In a
hurry and did not have time for the
red tape channels Of approach through
private secretary and messenger. She
slipped into the governors parlor' and
boldly opened the door from there into
his private office.
The governor chanced to be alone,
and he turned In surprise to see who
was so bold In intrusion.
Did you wish to see me, madam
he asked in courtly manner, placing a
chair for the visitor,
"You are the governorT" asked a
queer, high pltsled voice
Il am" he admitted.
81 came to see If you would give me
a position in the capitol. am the wild
ow Of a soldier-and-I pay taxes
"a soldiers widow?" asked the gov
ernor, with interest. "In what war did
your husband serve, civil or Spanish
Americana
There was a moments hesitation be-
fore Mignon decided to locate ''her
husband" in the civil war.
What was his company, and In
what regiment did he enlist2"
Silence.
Don't you know the number Of his
regiment?"
"Oh, yes; thirteen"
"And what stateY
"Pennsylvanla."
"And what was the letter of his COM
panyY he asked, beginning to make q
memorandum.
"Why-R" triumphnntiy.
His pencil poised.
1.-THE companies were only lettered to
K for infantry, you know"
"Then probably 1t was X" she said.
"K looks like r, you know"
Yes, sometimes" he admitted, "but
what kind of a position did you wish p
ANY posltlonp' desperately.
what experience have you hadP'
II have copied legal papers" remem-
bering a brief she had once copied for
her father, who had wrathfully con-
signed 1t to the flames with the criti-
cism that It resembled his Chinese
laundry check.
"Have you. indeedw be said in evil
dent surprise, and Mignon felt that she
had acquired Importance In his regard.
The governor seemed to be absorbed
In meditation, and Mignon began to
feel the silence embarrassing.
II don't know Of any vacancies or
0nanin1 ON at Dreepntn - he finally remark