The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1908-06-19
CHAPTER XIV.

was usually given over to dry Off
cial business. and its musty walls mus
almost have experienced a distinc
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 aldermanit
chamber, had collided with the brother
and sister at the committee room door
Heres a good sight for sore eyes
Miss Wainwright" the alderman was
saying with his best air. But is II
fair to ask what brings such a bunch
of sunshine into an old p'litical shell
like this? I'd as soon think of seeing
Horrigan at mass as to find you here. -
81 want to attend the aldermen's
meeting" exclaimed Dallas. Il have
a 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. at 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 a 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
a swad of high O's."
"Thank you 80 much, alderman" re-
piled Dallas. 81 hope we're not put
ting you to too much trouble"
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 interested in my
outings. So long! I'll be right back"
What a queer chap he ISL unused
Perry, as Phelan fastened away on
his mission. "If l could take a six
weeks course in slang and hot air
from that man I'd be able to sew but
tons on the whole English language"
81 don't think you need very much
tuition" observed Dallas. "But 1t was
kind of Mr.. Phelan to look after US.
like him be-
Because he's standing by Bennett
so pluckily In this ight"
"Mr. Bennett is nothing to me-"
"No" asked Perry in innocent
amaze. Then l wasted lot of good
cigarette money cabling to you about
his campaign when you were across
the big wash last summer. For a
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
mo" she broke In, with a miserable |
effort at courage. "Nothing's the mat |
ter. I'm perfectly happy. Why shouldn't |
be? An engaged girl is always
IAN engaged girlr' he shouted In !
high glee. You don't mean to say
you and Alwyn"-
"Of course not l am engaged to
Mr. Gibbs"
GOOD Lordw gasped the lad in hon.
est dismay. "If that's meant for a
Joke, it's the punkest ever! Did,
sit isn't a joke, Perry, and it's very
rude Of you to talk so. l am engaged
to Mr.. Gibbs, and
"But-how-when did the atrocity
come off. and
81 became engaged to him the night |
of the administration ball. 1 didn't
want to tell you yet, because l knew
you don't like him. I'm-I'm"-
you're happy"
Certainly l amw she retorted de-
family. 80 happy that r.
"That you are having a fight to keep |
from crying this blessed minute" he |
finished. Say, Dallas. II breaks me |
all up to have you so miserable. l |
think a whole lot Of you. More'n of |
any one else but Cynthia And want |
to help you out Of this measly mixup.
Won't your
"There is nothing any one can do"
she murmured sadly. 81 have chosen
my course and u
Cheese itr' 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 rooms disengaged." he was
saying "Ill write It here and give II
to-oh. ! beg your pardon" he broke
of, recognizing Dallas and Perry. 81
didn't know
1--WE got two good seats for you"
announced Phelan. Right where you
can see an hear the whole shootin'
match. An guess before the meetin's
over it's liable 10 get as interestin' as
a double Uncle Tom" show In a tent !
I'll show you the way as soon as
you're ready. There's no rush. Things
amt begun TO sizzle up yet"
h,d rracsaH - ,.-b,-o ncTI..
stood irresolute and. under cover OF
Phelan's talk with Perry. said to her,
with a certain unconscious stiffness:
81 fear ! was too taken aback by
your announcement the other evening
to remember to congratulate you. but
please believe me when | say / wish
you every happiness in the new life
you have chosen"
Thank you very much" faltered
Dallas.
There was an awkward pause; then
she said:
sYou came in here to write some
thing. I'm afraid we are OBTAINING
you. You must be busy with your
fight against the Borough bill. You
are quite determined to continue IT to
the endy'
ITO the bitter endF' he answered
miserably. Even though that end
can hold nothing but bitterness for
me"
The set anguish in his face moved
Dallas more than she dared confess /
even 10 hsrelf.
Il am sorry" she said softly.