The Dolores star., 1909-04-16

only light IN the room, and the room
appeared vast In the dimness; an ef-
feet somehow aided by the chill that
was on 1t. as II the fires of the Ansley
house had been allowed to die down
in an eager pretense Of spring. 1t was
spring. but spring In Chicago Sunday
morning had been bright ami the lake
had sDarkied blue In the warm winG
that came up somewhere from the
southwest. but by night the wind had
wheeled around. and the lake resumed
its normal cold and menacing mood
Al Vernon sank into the chair he
caught narrow glimpse Of the bo lie
ward between the curtains of the large
window; in the brilliant light Of a
street lamp he could zee q cold rain
slanting down on to the asphalt.
How much longer is this legislature
to last. anyway" Amelia demanded. ~
she arranged herself in the low chair
before him.
Three, weeks" Vernon replied.
"Three-weeks-mor 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 30 often.
"Of course" Vernon went on, with
. certain impression Of relief In his
this" :.
When viii that be?" Amelia asked.
Winter after next The governor.
though. may call 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, tool"
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 smiled 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
Vow. Morley" Amelia said, with
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 q 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
course couldn't think Of appearing In
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 II. He sank back ON the
cushions Of his chair. folding his hands
and plainly taking the rest senator
needs after his legislative labors.
'Of course" he said, I'VE needn't
discuss 1t now. The governor may not
call the special session. II 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
500 common. 1 don't see what there
Il In 1t to attract you. And how am |
ever going to explain your absence to
those people tomorrow night? Tell
them that politics detained you. sup
poser She looked at him severely,
anA yet triumphantly. as II she had re-
dnce4 The problem to an absurdity.
Why said VERNON. you can tell
tAAa Nat was called suddenly to
,SpriAkepIA; tAat an important matter
In th4 taAfs-"
~ ssaaasi" Amelia snsered.