Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1906-07-07
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MIGNON'S
POLITICAL
INSTINCT
y UTH'S retinue of ex-schoolmates
{ were paying her visit at the

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executive mansion, the home of


He was past his youth, but had not
yet approached middle age, The eX.
school friends found him awe-iuspiring
and regarded him from distance with
romantic interest.
That little silyery patch on each
temple is so distngue," ardently de
Clared Lucille.
Makes one think of the leading
man in Il play when ten years are sup
posed to elapse between acts" giggled
MignOn Gray
1t was source of delight to the otli-
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
people, even rs she. and that Il Coy
ernOr was not so much anyway, but
the Gubernatorial dignity hung round
MIN still, and her forced courage oozed
away whenever he addressed her.
one morning the retinue, with the eX-
CeptiOn Of NIignOn, troOped away to the
| golf links MignOn remained at home
to write letters, but when she knew
herself to be alone in the big, stately
house she suddenly experienced a sen
sation of her childhood DAYS and was
| impelled by an irresistible desire ito he
naughty" The daring idea Of calling
upon Ruth's uncle seized her
"I'd like to see him 'On duty" she
mused. Il might--yes, | will-go in
cognito."
There was 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 sprigged
skirt, a lace mantlla, neat straw
bonnet and lace edged veil.
The cnuitnl was only II short distuu""
from the executive mansion, and Mig
non met few persons. The guard who
stood in the broad corridor did not
vouchsafe her second glance as he
directed her to the executive office.
MignOn did not follow his directions.
Ruth had told her how she gained his
private sanctum when she was in Il
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.
do you wish to see me, madam"
he asked in COurtly manner, placing
chair for the visitor.
"You are the GovernorP asked
queer, high pitched voice.
Il am" he admitted.
81 came to see if you would give me
position in the capitol. l am the
widow of a soldier-and-I pay
taxes"
"A soldiers widow" asked the Gov
ernor, with interest. I'm what war
did your husband serve Civil or Span
ish- AmeriCan"
fore Mignon decided to locate "hcr
husband" in the Civil War.
what was his company and IN what
regiment did he enlist"
Silence.
Don't you know the number of his
regiment?"
"Oh, yes; thirteen"
"And what State"
Pennsylvania"
"And what was the letter Of his com
panyE" he asked, beginning to make a
memorandum.
why" triumphantly.
His pencil poised
"The companies were only lettered
to X for infantry you know"
yes, sometimes" he admitted, but
what kind of position did you wish"
ANY pOsltion" desperately.
"What experience have you hadT"
II have copied legal papers" remem-
berng a brief she had once copied for
her father, who had wrathfully con
signed it to the flames with the criti-
csm that it resembed his Chinese
laundry check.
Have you, lndeedw he said I'm evi-
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.
Il don't know OF any vacancies or
openings at present" he finally re
marked "but If you will make for
nal application and leave 1t here on
file | will communicate with you as
soon ms the opportunity offers"
ooh, thank you" she said CRATE
fully.
II don't seem to have any blank
forms" he said, looking over the
ever. I'll write one out, and you can
sign It, and leave your address also"
Mgnon had already decided upon n
name and address, so when he pres
emily handed her a paper he had
written she removed her glove, and
on the line indicated she whote, "Naucy
Bettens, 1911 l. street"
He studied the signature carefully.
"And what was your husbands first
name Mrs, Bettens"
adam" was the glib response
you'll hear from me soon, Mrs. Bet.
tens"
AGignon took this as a dismissal, and
rose to 90.
do you think there is any hopper"