The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1906-05-29
Mignon's
Political By
BELLE
Instinct INMATES
Copyright, 1908, by E. o. PARCELS

Copyright 1905 by E. O. PARCELS
Ruths retinue of ex-schoolmates
We're 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
it 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.
'1That 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" gigRled Mi
gnon Gray.
1t was 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 1t 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 a governor
was not so much anyway, but the GU
bernatorial dignity hung round him
still, and her forced courage ooEed
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
a 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" shs
unused. II might-yes, 1 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-
ecutive mansion quaint little figure
clad In an old fashioned flower sprig-
ged skirt, lace mantilla, a 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 a 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 q
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 CHANGED to be alone,
and he turned In surprise to see who
was SO bold in intrusion.
Did you wish to see me, MADAME
he asked In courtly manner, placing a
chair for the visitor
"You are the governorT' asked a
queer high pitched voice.
Il am" he admitted
81 came to see IL you would give me
a position In the capitol. am the wild
ow of soldier-and-I pay taxes"-
"a soldiers widow?" asked the gov
ernor, with interest I'm what war did
your husband serve, civil or Spanish
Americana
There was moments hesitation be-
fore Mignon decided to locate 'her
husband in the civil war.
What was his company, and In
what regiment did he enlistT'
Silence
Don't you know the number Of his
regimentT
'Oh, yes; thirteen"
"And what slater
Pennsylvania"
"And what was the letter Of his coUs-
panyf" he asked, beginning to make q
memorandum.
"Why-RT' triumphantly.
His pencil poised.
1.-THE companies were only lettereG b
n ZOE lnIdnlry, you KNOW.
''Then probably it was e." abe SAID.
TX looks like R, you know"
Yes, sometimes" he admitted, ''hHf
what kind of position did you wishs"
ANY position~ desperately.
what experience have you hadf''
II have copied legal papers," remem-
bering brief she had once copied foQ
her father, who had wrathfully con-
signed it to the flames with the crit
cism that it resembled his Chinese
laundry check.
Have you, indeedP he 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.
81 don't know of any vacancies or |
openings at present" he finally remark |
ed, ''but if you will make formal ap-
plication and leave it here on file will |
communicate with you as soon as the |
opportunity offers"
"Oh, thank your she said gratefully. |
Il don't seem to have any blank |
FORMS" he said, looking over the pa
pers scattered on his desk. However,
I'll write one out, and you can Sign 1t |
and leave your address also"
Mignon had already decided upon
name and address, so when he present
ly handed her a paper he had written |
she removed her glove, and on the line |
indicated she wrote, Nancy Bettens,
1911 L Street"
He studied the signature carefully.
And what was your husbands Grit
name, Mrs BettensT
adam" was the glib response.
you'll hear from me soon, Mrs. Bet
tens"
Mignon took this as dismissal and
rose to go.
DO you think there is any HOPPER
she could not resist asking as she gain |
ed the door.
Il do. The fact of your being a SOL |
dier's widow and your having had ex-
perience in Office work will lead me to
consider your application favorably.
shall offer you position very sOOn,"
he replied earnestly.
What fun / shall have telling the
girls!" thought Mignon as she sped
home. When she had made a change
of costume she discovered, to her dis-
may, that it was too late to join the
girls at the country club for luncheon,
as she had promised. While she was
rejecting on this change In her pro
gramme the library door opened and
the governor entered.
"Oh, there isn't any nncheoni" she
said 1.-THE girls are at the golf links.
Mrs. Farnham is invited out for the
day, and II made a mistake in the