Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1908-05-05
THE Governor
FINDS HIMSELF

His excellency the governor was In
4 fretful mood. While matters Of state
overwhelmed him. his secretary had
determined ON q vacation. The occa.
sion was the Locke-Snyder wedding,
ut which the secretary would shine -
one Of the six bridesmaids. There
we're silks and slippers to purchase.
and the time was short.
All this had been explained to the
governor. but he failed to see. He
knew only that the capitol investiga-
ton WAS on and the appointment Of .
Sc, Of ofiicials for Bell county to be
made. The turnpike problem was a
bad one. and felons were ciamorins Tor
pardon and party leaders begging Tor
pie.
Consider the poor conyicts." he
stOrmed.
Consider the six bridesmaids" re-
butted the stenographer.
Here are four men," he said. OBJ
1ecting to be hanged.
Pardon them. she suggested.
NO: III hang EN-"
Whereat the stenographer knew the
executive was wroth and held her
peace.
Tho man looked into the sparkling
brown eyes and for the first time In
the two years they had labored to-
gether really saw the girl. He was an
abseu,.minded slave. serving his little
state in tie best manner the party
bosses would allow, always immersed
in his work Now for a moment he FOR
got his governorship. and red tape. and
policy, and saw only the maid before
him.
"A month is . long tine" he said.
Cut It short, II you can" AID as IA
after thought: And don't be foolish
and form any sentimental attachment
yourself"
The girl suppressed a smile as she
slid out the door. The governor tapped
with a pencil on his desk in deepest
reverie.
Then his councillors poured In upon
him. Good mornin'. guv'nor, the
auditor saluted breezily. What about
the turnpikes?"
win the Bell county commissions
be ready today queried tho secretary
of state. The Herald says"
The Herald is eternally saying. !
can't do a thing until Miss Brandon re-
turns
oh" said the attorney general. iii
send you Perkins
Keep the blockhead. I've got to
think out things by myself
The governor sat down and gazed
thoughtfully into the fire for many
minutes after his august advisors had
deserted him. And thus he sat when
the door opened gently and some enc
entered. The governor raised his eyes
and saw the girl. and at hrst he inlag-
ined her back from her months stay.
The wedding was grand success.
| presume" he stammered out.
1T will be, think. when 1t nap
pens"
And you"
Il came back to say good-by. When
! left 1t was all turnpikes and pardOns
and appointments"
And with YOU 1t was weddings and
bridesmaids and outfits. Take note.
please: we'll draw up q proclamation
abolishing the state Of matrimony In
our doninions."
Nonsense! You'll marry some day
yourself"
Let the edict die. then" said the
governor.
Hts excellency arose and paced the
noor At intervals he glanced 1t the
smiling girl by the machine. and when
their eyes met the governors were the
FIRST to fall.
You are not married. Miss Brandon
oh. Of course. you're not married"
Well. hardly"
What I meant vas. you are not
er-ensaged to some frivolous. auds-
cious upstart?"
Well. really now"
oh. hang It ALL" said the governor.
Marry me. wont you!"
l. was out In . moment. and the
man sat down. confused and helpless.
In . day he had found his soul and
proposed marriage 10 . brown-syed.
siddy thing that looked across at him.
mir,h and fright struggling for posses
sion Of her pretty face.
If I did" she said. you would lose
your Stenograpeer."
And gaia . wife. IN risk the e.
pertinent"
Then there 10 nothing else to do.
falte,ed the Gtrl