The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-01-08
CHAPTER XIV.
The Loneliness of Greatness.

NASSAseASSS'
 I was chosen the Governor of the State in November, and I spent the interval between that time and my in- auguration as quietly as my new posi- tion would let me. It is not usual for people to winter in the mountains, but I passed most of November and De- cember of that year among the peaks, and saw beauty and majesty that the summer traveller always misses. saw ridges, peaks and valleys all in snow, the whole world dazzling white. Then the wilderness without only deepened the comfort within. and it was good to live.
 was there when the letter from Alicia reached me, directed to the nearest station on the railroad. but a 3ull five days in the coming. had ex- nected that she would write, but I did not know how long she would wait. It pls brief. She congratulated me, but she said she had never felt doubt Of ny election, and she expected for me q career of unbroken success. She was :going on a visit in January to relatives New York and Philadelphia, but she might be in Frankfort in the spring; the Whartons were asking her to come and Mrs. Guthrie also might be there.
 She had not intended that 1t should be so, but the tone of the letter was sad, and I felt a great melancnoiy. The world can never be so hard to men as it often Is to women. was sitting alone before the great fire when the letter came. I tore 1t into bits which l tossed one by one into the coals where they disappeared like my own hopes. ] had achieved @ great ambition, put now all things felt hollow and empty. I was alone. truly alone; friends had. relatives I had. and the applause or the multitude. but not the woman. the one woman who could make my life complete. It nas been said with wis dom that it is rot good for man to live alone and in this moment of desolation l felt all its truth.
 l rose, put on my Overcoat, and went forth into the snow. walking furiously over the slopes and through the valleys. -T did not return until twilight was ming down on the mountains, and then, my mood of despair having pass ed. I was able to turn a cheerful face 70 my comrades.
 I was home for the Christmas holi- days, and when the time came I was duly iraugurated at Frankfort amid a great concourse. and with much cheer Aunt Jane came for the ceremonies, but they stayed only a day. sleeping once in the Governors mansion.
 No" they said with one voice, when I urged them to remain with me- "This is for you Harry. not fc' us. You are
 
 wonder"
 I went with them to the train, and when it's last smoke was seen among the hills I felt more alone than ever But Seth I kept with me as valet and sort of friend. I must have some one who stood in a personal relation to me. The Governors mansion was now the home of a bachelor. but the Whartons helped me in a social way, and the old judge who was still a source Of strength to me with suggestion and advice be- anne my most intimate friend in Frankfort.
 l was bound by few promises and began my administration in accord ance with the resolution, taken in the mountains and before. I determined hat I would not be betrayed into an- ger and quarrels and I kept my own counsel. l appointed whomsoever pleased to the appointive offices, and let the heather rage. I had perceive long since that honesty was the best policy. Hence take no credit to my self when l say that the State beSan to call me good Governor.
 Spring gave her first faint signs and rfrs. Guthrie and Alicia arrived on a visit to the Whartons. I had remem-