Willmar tribune., 1909-08-11
CHAPTER Xl.


mons approach, Mrs. Overman Hodge
Lathrop least of all. On the contrary
she seemed to swell into proportions
that were colossal and terrifying, and
when Vernon came within her sphere
of influence his manner at once sub
dued itself into an apology.
"Why, Amelia - Mrs. Hodge-La-
throp!" he cried, land Mrs. Standish,
Mrs. Barbourton, Mrs. Trales, Mrs.
Langdon-how do you do?"
He went, of course, straight to Mrs.
Overman Hodge-Lathrop's side, the
side that sheltered Amelia, and he
tried to take the hands of both women
at once. Amelia gave him hers coldly,
without a word and without a look. He
grew weak, inane, and laughed un-
easily.
delightful morning." he said, "this
country air down here is"
Morley said Mrs. Overman-
Hodge-Lathrop, severely, take that
seat at the foot of the table,"
He obeyed, meekly. The ladies, he
thought, from the rustic of their skirts,
withdrew themselves subtly.
Vernon shrank.
Morley Vernon" Mrs. Overman
Hodge-Lathrop continued, "do you
know what I have notion to do?"
mo, Mrs. Hodge-Lathrop," he said
in very little voice.
"Well, sir, I've a notion to give you
a good spanking"
Vernon shot a glance at her.
ooh, you needn't look, sir" she con.
tinued, "you needn't look! It wouldn' t
be the first time, as you we'll know
and it isn't so many years ago-and
have your mothers full permission,
too."
The chain of ladylike sympathy that
passed about the table at this declara-
ton was broken only when it's ends
converged on Vernon. Even then they
seemed to pinch him.
Your poor, dear mother" Mrs.
Overman Hodge-Lathrop went on, "in.
sisted, indeed, on coming down her.
self, but knew she could never stand
such a trip. told her." and here Mrs
Overman Hodge-Lathrop paused for an
instant, Il told her that l thought ]
could manage"
There was a vast significance in this
speech.
The waiter had brought the substan
tials to the ladies, and Mrs. Overman
HOdge-Lathrop began eating deter
minedly.
1T was, Of course, just what I had
always predicted" she went on, in 9
staccato that was timed by the rise Of
her fork to her lips, Il knew that pol
itics would inevitably corrupt you
soon or late. And now it has brought
you to this"
ITO what?" asked Vernon, suddenly
growing bold and reckless. Amelia
had not given him one glance; she
was picking at her chop.
Mrs. Overman Hodge-Lathrop, rails
ing her gold glasses and setting then
aristocratically on the bridge of he,
nose, fixed her eyes on Vernon.
Morley" she said, 1--WE know. We
have heard and we have read. The
Chicago press is an institution that
fortunately, still survives in these
| fconoclastic days. You know very
we'll, of course, what I mean. Please
do not compel me to go into the re
Voting particulars" She took he,
glasses down from her nose, as if tha
officially terminated the matter.
| But really, Mrs. Hodge-Lathrop,'
said Vernon. He was growing angry
and then, too, he was conscious some
how that Miss Greene was looking a
him. His waiter, John, timidly ap
preached with a glance at the awfu
presence Of Mrs. Overman Hodge
Lathrop, and said:
"Yo' breakfus, senate, is gettin
cor."
THAT may watt" said Mrs. Over
man Hodge-Lathrop, and John spran.
back out of range.
Vernon was determined, then, tt
have it out.
Really, Mrs Hodge-Lathrop, jestin:
aside"
Jesting!" cried Mrs. Overmal
Hodge-Lathrop, Testing! Indeed, M,
boy, this is quite a serious business!
She tapped with her forefinger.
We'll, then, all right" said Vernon
Il don't. know what I've done. All
have done has been to champion