The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1909-05-01

its normal cold and menacing mood
AS Vernon sank into the chair he
caught narrow glimpse of the boule-
ward between the curtains Of the large
window: in the brilliant light of a
street lamp he could see cold rain
slanting down on TO the asphalt.
How much longer is this legislature
to last, anyway Amelia demanded. IS
she arranged herself in the low chair
before him.
Three weeks" Vernon replied.
"Three-weeks-m The girl
drew the words out.
Yes, only three weeks" said Yer
non. And then we adjourn sine die.
The joint resolution fixes the date for
June second"
Amelia said nothing. She was usu-
ally disturbed when Vernon began to
speak of his joint resolutions: which
was. perhaps. the reason why he spoke
of them 80 often.
'Of course" Vernon went on. with
a certain Impression OF relief in his
words, Il have another session after
this"
When will that be-" Amelia asked.
Winter after next. The governor.
though. may call a special session to
deal with the revenue question That
would take us all back there again
next winter"
Next Winter" she cried, leaning
over in alarm DO you mean you'll
have to be away all next winter. too"
The significance of her tone was
sweet to Vernon. and he raised him
self to take her hands in his.
You could be with me then. dear
est" he said. softly.
In Springfield" she exclaimed.
why not?" asked Vernon. Other
members have their wives with them
some OF them" he qualified. think
ing how few of the members cared to
have their wives with them during the
session.
What could one do in Springfield,
pray" Amelia demanded. Go to the
legislative hops. | suppose? And dance
reels with farmers and West side poll
ticians." She almost shifted her dis
gust,
Why. dearest" Vernon pleaded.
you do them great injustice. Some
of them are really of the best people:
the society in Springfield is excellent.
At the governors reception at the
mansion the other night"
Now. Morley" Amelia said, with
a smile that was intended to reproach
him mildly for this attempt to impose
upon her credulity.
And. besides" Vernon hurried on
suddenly taking different course with
her, you could be great help to
ME. ! never address the senate that
don't think of you. and wish you were
there TO hear me-"
Il should like to hear you" said
Amelia, softening a little. But of
the senate
Why not? Ladies often appear
there"
Yes. overdressed. no doubt"
We'll. you wouldn't have to be over
dressed" Vernon retorted. He seemed
to have the advantage. but he decided
to forego it. He sank back on the
cushions of his chair folding his hands
and plainly taking the rest a senator
needs after his legislative labors.
"Of course" he said. I'VE needn't
discuss it now. The governor may not
call the special session. If the party
=" but he paused, thinking how little
interested she was in the party.
Il wish you'd let politics alone.
Amelia went on relentlessly. 1T seems
$3.50 common. | don't see what there
is in it to attract you. And how am |
ever going to explain your absence to
those people tomorrow night? Tell
them that politics detained you sup
pose?" She looked at him severely,
and yet triumphantly, as if she had re
duced the problem TO an ahsurdity.
Why" said VERNON. you can tell
them that l was called suddenly to
Springfield; that an important matter
in the senate"
The senate," Amelia sneered
But. dearest" Vernon began, lean
ing over in an attitude for argument.
She cut him short.
why. Morley, do you think I'd
ever let on to those Eltons that l know
any one in politics.
Don't they have politics in New
York; he asked.
They won't even know where
Springfield is" she went on irrele-
vanity.
"Whatll they say when they receive
our cards next FAM" he asked with
smile.
We'll. you needn't think your name
will be engraved on them as senator,
can assure you" Her dark eyes
flashed.
Vernon laughed again, and Amelia
went on:
You can laugh. but l really believe
you would If I'd let you,"
They were silent after that, and
Amelia sat with her elbow on the arm
of her chair. her chin in her hand.
gloomily on her ruined
dinner