Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1908-02-23
CHAPTER ".


his wife and Mrs. Darrall inside
81 am afraid l will fad myself unwecome
guest" said the Judge, acknowledging the hospi-
table greeting from the mistress of the Manor
House.
Have fear of that" answered Marguerite,
casping his hand cordially, hiding we'll under the
social amenities, the deep feeling which stirred
her heart.
"But you have not heard my errand. I have
come to tear your husband away from you, and
carry him off with me; to put him in harness,
so to speak. He is needed. The state is torn
assunder by two political factions, and calls to
her sons-to every able to be at his post.
Darrall cannot be excused"
"If it is his duty, he would not shirk it if he
could" Marguerite answered with elaboration,
though in faltering voice.
There speaks the true wife, sensible of her
husbands interest, we'll duty" responded
the Judge, rubbing his hands together in token
of approval.
Just at this moment Darrall, who had remained
outside to give instructions to jeff concerning the
bestowal in the barns of the Judges coach ind
horses, entered the room in time to hear his st
words
my duty? Here it seems to me, find divided
duty; one that embarasses no little"
"Ah, Darrall," interrupted the Judge, because
1 have married a wife, was not an acceptable
excuse in the Good Book, you remember; you
cannot therefore, expect it to pass with world
lings."
"And such workings as politicians" interrupted
Mrs. Randolph.
"You misunderstood me, Judge. 1t is true that
l have married wife," taking Marguerite's hand
in his, "the dearest wife in the world;-sav1ng
Mrs Randolph, of COURSE but it was not my in
tention to make point of that 1t is this ]
am as you know AntiRelief, body and soul. ]
am opposed to the Relief Candidate for Governor.
My old friend, Col Steale-a Relief man. making
heated for the place of representative in
the Senate, now calls on me for support; for aid
in his canvass fatters my vanity by asking me to
take the stump for him..
Cant you refuse him?"
81 must refuse him, you know,-but am
indebted to him for many favors. He has helped
me make my start; has thrown many nice little
opportunities in my way. Personally, he is my
frend,-yet-I know him well enough to know
that he can be either friend or an implacable
foe. Now, which shall it be-"
Marguerites cheeks flushed and paled alter
nately with anxiety To her, it seemed momen-
tuOuS question.
The Judge reflected few minutes before ans
wering; weighing, no doubt, carefully the points
in question: knowing, perhaps, even better than
Darrall the serious import of his decision Finally
he replied:
"You know him, of course, better than but
| beiieve-if I were you'll would temporize for
the present don't mean to fatter you my boy,
but we need you; and you will owe 1T to yourself,
to go before the people, Let them see you, let
them hear you; it will be the chance OF your life
for future advancement. Temporize with Steale
for time"
THAT will be hard to do. I can and will de-
cline to assist him, for he knows my sentiments.
l do not see how he can expect assistance from
me- | rather think it a ruse on his part to pre-
vent my working for the other side"
Possibly
you see then, how difficult it will be for me
to fill the role which you have so pleasingly map
ped out for me-"
"Then you will not take part?" asked Margue'
rite anxiously, her face lighting unconsciously.
81 cannot promise that, Sweetheart answered
Darrall, his eyes bent upon the floor unperceiving
her deep interest in the matter. The Judge watch
ing him narrowly encouraged. knowing his
mettle he said no more, but walking to the win