The Press., 1906-06-06
Mignon's Political By
 BELLE Instinct MANIATES
Copyright. 1908, by E. 0. Parcells

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 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 distance with romantic interest.
 That little silvery patch on each temple is so distingue," ardently de clared Lucille.
 in a play when ten years are supposed to elapse between acts," giggled Mi gnon Gray.
 | 1t was a source of delight to the oth- CTS 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 a 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 l a sensation of her childhood days and | was impelled by an irresistible desire "to be naughty" The daring idea of calling upon Ruth's uncle seized her.
 'I'd like to see him 'on duty" she unused. "I 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- ecutive mansion a quaint little figure clad In an old fashioned flower sprig- ged skirt, lace mantilla, neat straw bonnet and lace edged veil.
 The capitol was only a 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 a
  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, madamT" he asked in courtly manner, placing chair for the visitor.
 "You are the governOrT' asked a queer high pitched voice.
 "I am," he admitted.
 q came to see if you would give me a position in the capitol. am the wid- ow of a soldier-and-I pay taxes''-
 "A soldiers widowY' asked the gov ernor, with interest. 'In what war did your husband serve, civil or Spanish AmericanT
 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 enlist?'
 Silence.
 Don't you know the number of his regimentT'
 "Oh, yes; thirteen"
 "And what stateT
 Pennsylvania"
 And what was the letter of his con- pany?" he asked, beginning to make a memorandum.
 "Why-Rr triumphantly.
 His pencil poised.
 "The companies were only lettered to K for infantry, you know"
 ''Then probably it was K," she said. ''K looks like R, you know"
 "Yes, sometimes" he admitted, 'but what kind of position did you wish?"
 "Any positionv' desperately.
 "What experience have you hadT"
 ''I have copied legal papers," remem- bering brief she had once copied for her father, who had wrathfully con- signed 1t to the flames with the criti- cism that 1t resembled his Chinese laundry check.
 "Have you, indeedr' 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.
 q don't know of any vacancies or openings at present" he finally remark ed, ''but if you will make a formal ap- plication and leave 1t here on file I will communicate with you as soon as the opportunity offers"
 "Oh, thank youg' she said gratefully. 'T 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 a name and address, so when he present ly handed her 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 first name, Mrs. BettensP' Adam" was the glib response. You'll hear from me soon, Mrs. Bet tens" MignOn took this as a dismissal and rose to go. "Do you think there is any hopeS' she could not resist asking as she gain ! ed the door. "I 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. I | shall offer you a position very soon," he replied earnestly. "What fun shall have telling the | girls!' thought MIgnon as she sped |