Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-02
CHAPTER XIV.

cal business, and It's muSty walls must almost have experienced distinct shock about this time as Dallas Vain wright entered from the corridor be- hind. She was accompanied by Perry and by Phelan, who, passing through the corridor toward the aldermanic chamber, had collided with the brother and sister at the committee room door.
 Here's good sight for sore eyes, Miss Wainwright" the alderman was saying with his best air. But is it fair to ask what brings such a bunch of sunshine into an old p'litical shell slike this? I'd as soon think of seeing Horrigan at mass as to find you here.'
 "I want to attend the aldermen's meeting" exclaimed Dallas. q have special reason. So made Perry bring me But at the door they told us the gallery was so crowded that we couldn't"--
 Never you mind the gallery, miss" interrupted Phelan. 1t isn't meant for the likes of you anyway. You just sit here few minutes, an I'll catch an attendant somewhere an make him hustle up couple of good chairs for you on the main floor, where you can pipe everything just like you were in your own op'ra box coppin' off swad of high C's.'
 Thank you so much, alderman" re. piled Dallas. T hope we're not put. t;po x,n,r n ton p,uoh frn,,hIa
 No trouble at all An even if 1t was I'd come a-runnin' 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 int'rested in my outings. So long! I'll be right back"
 What a queer chap he is!' unused Perry, as Phelan hastened away on his mission. If I could take six weeks course in slang and hot air from that man I'd be able to sew but tons on the whole English language"
 T don't think you need very much tuition," observed Dallas. But it was kind of MT. Phelan to look after us. like him be-
 Because he's standing by Bennett so pluckily in this fight?'
 MT. Bennett Is nothing to me-"
 "No?'' asked Perry in innocent amaze. "Then wasted lot of good cigarette money cabling to you about his campaign when you were across the big wash last summer. For man who was nothing to you you sure took large swads of intelligent in- terest. Look here, little girl" he went on, less fippantly, whats the matter? Has anything
 "No"' she broke in, with miserable effort at courage. "Nothing's the mat ter. I'm perfectly happy. Why shouldn't Il be? An engaged girl is always An engaged girlr' he shouted in >hlgh glee. You don't mean to say you and Alwyn"-
 "Of course not. am engaged to Nr. Gibbs"
 Good Lordw gasped the lad in hon. est dismay If that's meant for a Joke, it's the punkest ever. Did"-
 Tt Isn't a joke, Perry, and it's very rude of you to talk so. I am engaged to Mr. Gibhs, and"- "But-how-when did the atrocity come of. and'--
 T became engaged to him the night of the administration ball. didn't want to tell you yet because I knew you don't like him. I'm-I'm"-
 ''You're happy?"
 Certainly I amw she retorted de- fantly. ''so happy that I''-
 That you are having fight to keep from crying this blessed mlnuter' he finished. Say, Dallas, 1t breaks me all up to have you so miserable. I think a whole lot of you. More'n of any one else but Cynthia And I want to help you out of this measly mixup. Won't your
 'There is nothing any one can do." she murmured sadly. q have chosen my course and l''-
 Cheese itg' whispered Perry in hur- ried admonition. Here comes Ben nett. and Phelan's with him."
 The young mayor came in, talking to the alderman as he came.
 This room's disengaged," he was saying. 'I'll write 1t here and give it to-oh. I beg your pardon" he broke on. recognizing Dallas and Perry. T didn't know
 I've got two good seats for you" announced Phelan Right where you can see an hear the whole shootln' match. An guess before the meetin's over It's liable to get as interestin' as q double Uncle Tomr show in a tent I'Il show you the way as soon as you're ready. There's no rush. Things sin't begun to sixzIe uP yet"
 Bennett had crossed 10 where Dallas ] stood irresolute and. under cover of l Phelan's talk with Perry. said to her. with a certain unconscious stiffness:
 'I fear l was too taken aback by l sour announcement the other evening to remember to congratulate you, but please believe ne when I say I wish 1 you every happiness h the new life you have chosen"
 Thank you Fep much" faltered Dallas.
 There was sn awkward pause: then she said.
 You came in here to write some thing I'm afraid we are detainEng you You must be busy with your nght against the Borough bill You are quite determined tor continue 1t to the endT-
 To the bitter end- he answered nissrabiy. -Kven though that end -.- h~1.T -.~<hr-~ t.-s k1*s-.- r-