The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-01-15


 to me you are of more interest here than you would be in obscurity.''
 I merely nodded to him; there was a faint suggestion of patronage in his tone and there are few things l like less than patronage. I did not see Legislature was adjourned day later, and he went back at once to Louisville.
 CHAPTER XXI.
 The Meeting.
 I was vindicated in the eyes of the world, at least the official stamp had been put upon me, but I was lonely and unhabby man. The regular session of the Legislature had not begun, life in Frankfort was not active, and in the evenings when the work of the flee to the Governors house, silence and gloom hung over the old mansion. Seth exerted himself to- cheer me up. His feeling that we shared the respon- abilities of the State and that we were united more closely than ever by our former life together continued, and in spired him with a deepening attach ment During these days, although in sense a servant, he was also good friend.
 Jimmy Warfield came often to Frankfort on business before the Court of Appeals he would always say, though suspect that he invented the pretext more than once and he unfail- ingly brought life, light and gayety with him. I invariably compelled him to stop with me, and his going always left Frankfort the darker. He was also my messenger from those in whom I was interested the most, and from him I learned that Alicia had gone back to her home in the country, talk ;y,, xxyi+ hn hearted maneuvring Mrs. Warren who had so wretchedly mismade her daugh- ter's life seemed now to be totally eliminated. It was Alicia who dom- mated. Grey was in Louisville, Jimmy said, and he intimated once that Paul line Harmon had appeared again upon the scene.
 December came and with it extreme- ly cold weather, enclosing our little city in icy chains. Judge Wharton and I nevertheless continued our walks on the hills and he was, as of old, the most steadfast of friends, the relation ship that he bore to me, still having touch of the paternal l learned much of him in those days, much of the gov ernment of men and of life. His quiet sympathy and encouragement were continued source of strength to me, nor did Peden, the Lieutenant Cover nor, my old ally of the Legislat ture, wa yer a particle in his friendship. Yet as Warfield and the Judge had told me and as foresaw I encountered, des- pite my position, many sights and sneers, and I knew that I should en- counter more. It was matter that could be left only to ''silence and slow time."
 In the second week of the month I was called to Louisville on business connected with two or three of the 4In& oil oy,l took the train for the metropolis on an exceedingly cold day. The rails creak- ed under the car wheels, the surface of the river was a glittering sheet of ice as we crossed and the forest that covers the hills around Frankfort bent to an Arctic wind.
 There were few in the train and oc- a passenger recognizing me came to me and introduced himself. In- they showed respect, a respect that I wanted because of the position that I held, and the exhibition of it now was very grateful to my mind. I had resolved that so long as I was the Governor of Kentucky, chosen by the people, should be treated as such, and the longer I fought for my honor and my honors the better I liked the fight.
 We came into Louisville in the early winter twilight, the lights of the city showing warm, red and hospltable through the chilly dusk. The railroad station was almost deserted and turn ing up the collar of my heavy over coat I hurried out in search of a car riage in which I was quickly taken to the largest hotel. The clerk gave me his usual lofty salute as I registered, inquired gravely about the health of Frankfort and said. "An excellent front room for you, Governor, the same that you have always had. I've just sent up your baggage"
 I turned away, intending to enter lhe reading room, where I would write 3 letter or two, but was stopped by several people who knew me, and ex- changed greetings with them. The arge lobby was a warm-hued, cheerful l place, and I was not 10th to finger, be- cause I like light and warmth.
 As talked with my friends I saw a man come out of the cafe. one door of which opens into the lobby and even before his face was disclosed I knew oy the swing of his thick shoulders that it was Grey. At first I felt a deep sensation of regret that he should be there, thinking he would pick a quar- rel with me, but he seemed to take no notice of my presence, lighting a cigar at the stand, staring a few minutes out of the window at the street and then going back into the cafe. His face red and inf1amed had become brutal zed and sensualized to the last de- gree.
 One of my friends. seeing Grey. made 3 significant gesture by spreading out his hand and then dropping it by de- grees; it meant. sinking lower and ower," and I understood.
 A chance meeting in a hotel lobby may seem a small thing. but I had been in semi isolation so long that I enjoyed the presence of my friends and their talk. and I fingered. A little group gathered around me and while we stood there. a striking figure entered by the front door. It was Harrison. thin to gauntness. but with the air of ease and distinction that always marked him. He came directly to me, saying: | T did not know that you were in Louisville. Mr. Clarke. but I am glad l -o see you,'' and he held out his hand | Despite my belief that he had done | much to injure me I took the hand and | returned his grasp. There was good | n Harrison mixed with the evil, and l 10 one could deny his charm of per- He remained in our group a l title while. joining incidentally in the l ak, and then. making his excuses, 1 off toward the reading room. |
 I changed my mind about writing the | and a1of ta my n