Putnam patriot., 1908-08-21
CHAPTER NY


 oiiice-iu the same relation te Il
 \ as the auterhamber to the left was usually given over to dry ofi- eial business. and it's musty walls mast almost have experienced distinct shock about this time as Dallas Vain wright entered from the corridor be- hind. She WIS accompanied hy Ferry and by Phelan. who, passing through the corridor toward the aidermanie chamber, had coliited with the brother and sister at the committee room door Heres a good sight for sore eyes. Miss Wainwright" the alderman was saving with his best air But Is 1t lair to ask what brings such a bunch of sunshine iuto an old plitieal sheii like thisY I'd as soon think of seeing Horrigan at mass as to find you here.'
 'l want to attend the aldermen's meeting" exclaimed Dallas. "I hare st>ec;al reason. So l made Perry bt7Hg me. But at the door they told ss the gallery was so crowded that we couldnt''-
 Never you miud the gallery. miss" interrupted rhelan. "lt isn't meant for the likes ef you anyway. You just sit here few minutes. an ilt catch all attendant somewhere an make him hustle ua couple of good chairs for you on the main floor. where you can pipe everything just like you were in yonr own opra box eoppin of swnd of high C's..
 .s'Thank you SD much. alderman" re- piled Dalias T hope we're not put ting you to too much trouhle.''
 sNo trouble at nll. An even f it was I'd come asrunnin' to meet it. I'm the original trouble eater Besides. the best in the house is none too good for the lady who was so intrested in my outings. So long, I'll be right back"
 What queer chap he isl' unused Perry. as Fhelan hasteued away on bis mission "If l could take six weeks course In slang and hot air from that man I'd he able to sew but tons on tue whole English language. :" ..l don't think you need very much .tuition.' observed Dallas "Rut tt was kind of Mir Rheian to look after Us. | like him be-
 Because he's standing by Bennett 1 so pluckily In this fight2" Mir. Bennett is nothing to me."
 "Nei" asked Perry in inaerest amaze. Then I wasted let of good cigarette money cabling to you aiscst his campaign when you were aeress tue big wash last summer. For <
 
 sure took large swads of intelligent tn- terest. Look here little girl" sse ws.at on. less fiippantly. whats the matter Has anything
 "No," she broke in. witk < miserable effort at courage. "Nothing's the mat ter I'm perfectly happy Why sheasdn | be: An engaged girl is always An engaged girlr' he shouted in high glee You don't mean so say you and Alwye"- .Of course not am engaged to NIT. Gibbs"
 Good I.ordr' gasped the lad an hon est dismay If that's nsesnt fer | joke. its the punkest ever! ndd''- Tt Isn't n joke. Perry. and its very
  to Mir Gibbs. and But-how-when did fise atreeify come off. and
 II became engaged to him the night of the administration hall. didnt want to tel you yet. because 1 knew you don't like him. f'm-l'm- You're happy" Certainly 1 am," she netorted d. nantly '-So happy that i'- "Ihat you are having fghf te keep from crying this blessed minuteF" he fni5hed. Say, Dallas. 1t breaks nte all np to have you so miserable. | think whole iof of you. Mofe'n Of any one else but Cynthia And 1 want to help you out of this measiy mixup. Won't yeuf'-
 .There Is nothing any one can do.~ .ssie murmured sadly. l have eitosen Isy course and F.
 s~cheese it" whispered Perry in hur- rfee admenition Here comes Ben nett. and Pheian.s with him"
 The young mayor canse in, talking to fhe alderman as he eame.
 "'rins room's disengaxed." he was saving. tT'll write 1t bers and give tf so-oh. { beg your pardon" be broke en. recognizing Dallas and Perry. "I dida't knsaS"-
 .l.ye sot two good seats flor you" announced f.helan. Right who're you can see au' hear the whole -st ootin' match. An sGaess before the rnesiin's oyer it's iiabie to get as fnferestin' as a double @Unc1e Tom" show ip tept I'll show you the way as soon as you're ready Thsxe's no rush. fhings ajn't begun 10 sizzie np yet"
 Bennett had crossed to whene Dallas stood irresoiute and under coves ef Phelsn's talk with Perry. said to heg. with a certain unconscious stiffness:
 T fear l was too taken abaek v ror announcennepi IL. e- evening fo remember fo congratulate you. buf slease believe me when l say ! wish yau every happiness in tbe new life yos have chosen"
 Thank you very much" fsifered Dallas.
 There was an awkward panae: then she said.
 You eafDc in Eere to write some lining. I'm afraid we are detaining YOU. You must be busy with ysur light against the Borough bill You are quite determined to continue 1t fo the endf'
 .~To the bitter eBdr he answered miseraEfy. Even though thai end can hold nothing but bitterness for me"
 The set anguish In his face moved Da Has more than she dared eoniess even 10 hfreIf-