The Harrison times., 1911-09-16
CHAPTER XxXV.
The Proxy of Pakenham.

me PROXY OF Pakennam.
A man can not possess anything that is
better than a good woman, nor anything
that is worse than bad -Simonides.
When I reached the central part of
the city, l did not hasten thence to
Elmhurst mansion. Instead, | re-
turned to my hotel. | did not now
care to see any of my friends or even
to take up matters of business with
my chief 1t is not for me to tell what
feelings came to me when l left
Helena Won Ritz.
Sleep such as could gain, reflec-
tions such as were inevitable, occu-
pied me for all that night, 1t was
mid-morning Of the following day
when finally | once more sought out
Mr.. Calhoun.
He had not expected me, but re-
ceived me gladly. 1t seemed that he
had gone on about his own plans and
with his own methods. "The Sonora
Yturrio is doing me the honor of an
early morning CALL" he began. "She is
with my daughter In another part Of
the house AS there is matter Of some
Importance to come up, shall ask you
to attend"
He dispatched servant, and pres
entity the lady mentioned joined us.
She was a pleasing picture enough in
her robe OF black laces and sulphur
colored silks, but her face was none
too happy, and her eyes, IL seemed to
me. bore traces either of unrest or
tears. Mr. Calhoun handed her to
chair, where she began to use her Ian
guild but effective fan.
Now, 1t gives us the greatest re-
gret, my dear senora,", began Mr., Cal
hcun. ito have Gen. Almonte and your
husband return to their own country,
We have valued their presence here
very much and | regret the dlsrup-
tion Of the friendly relations between
our countries"
She made any sort of gesture with
her fan, and he went on: ut is the
regret also of all, my dear lady, that
your husband seems so shamelessly to
have abandoned you. | am quite
aware, Il you will allow me to be so
frank. that you need some financial
assistance"
my country ia ruined" said she.
"Also senior, am ruined. AS you say,
I have no means of life. have not
even money to secure my passage
home. That Senor Van Zandt-"
Eyes, Van Zandt did much for us,
through your agency, sonora, We
have benefited by that, and / there
fore regret he proved faithless to you
personally. am sorry to tell you that
he has signified his wish to join our
army against your country. | hear
also that your late friend, Mr. Polk,
has forgotten most of his promises to
you
Him | hate alsol" she broke out.
"He broke his promise to Senor Van
zandt, to my husband, to met"
Calhoun smiled In his grim fashion.
81 am NOT surprised to hear all that,
my dear lady, for you but point out
known characteristic of that gentle.
man. He has made me many promises
which he has forgotten, and offered
me even of late distinguished honors
which he never meant me TO accept,
But, since have been personally re.
sponsible for many Of these things
which have gone forward, wish to
make what personal amends | can;
and ever | shall thank you for the
good which you have done to this
country Believe me, madam, you
served your own country also In no III
manner This situation could not
have been prevented, and It Is not
your fault. beg you TO believe that.
Had you and | been left alone there
would have been no war"