Macon beacon. [volume] (Macon, Miss.) 1859-1995, 1911-06-02
CHAPTER XXXV.
The Proxy of Pakenham.

\ man can not possess anything that Is
better than a good woman, nor anything
that is worse than n bad One.-SimOnides.
When 1 reached the central part of
the city, I did not hasten thence to
Elmhurst mansion. Instead, l re-
turned to my hotel. | did not now
care to see any of my friends or wen
to take up matters of business with
my chief. 1t is not for me to tell what
feelings came to me when | left
Helena Won Ritz.
Sleep such as could gain, refec-
lions 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-
cefved 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, I shall ask you
to attend
Tie ulSDdICUeu ii ST. ant, anu pres
emily the lady mentioned joined us.
She was a pleasing picture enough in
her robe of black Iaces and sulphur
Colored silks, but her face was none
too happy, and her eyes, 1t seemed to
me. bore traces either of unrest or
tears. Mr.. Calhoun handed her to a
chair, where she began to use her Ian
guild but effective fan.
Nov. it gives us the greatest re-
greet. my dear sonora" began Mr.. Cal
hOun. Ito have Gen. AlmOnte and your
husband return to their own country.
We have valued their presence here
very much, and l regret the disrup-
ton Of the friendly relations between
our countries"
She made any sort of gesture with
her fan. and he went on: 1t is the
regret also of all, my dear lady, that
your husband seems so shamelessly to
have abandoned you. | am quite
aware. if o will allow me to be so
frank. that you need some financial
assistance"
MY country is ruined" said she.
ALSO. senior. | am ruined. AS you say,
I have no means of life. have not
SNRh ulOllSO " SSGuIC my DdSSdSe
home. That Senior Van Zandt-"
Yes, Van Zandt did much for us.
through you agency, sonora. We
have benefited by that. and l there
fore regret he proved ~faithless to you
personally. l am sorry to tell you that
he has signiied his wish to join our
army against your country. l hear
also that your late friend, Mr.. Polk,
has forgotten most of his promises to
you.
Him l hate ALSO" she broke out.
Fl broke his promise to Senior Van
Zandt. to my husband. to met"
Calhoun smiled in his grim fashion.
"I am not surprised to hear all tina
my dear lady. for you but point out
a 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 yer meant me to accept.
But. since l have been personally re-
sponsible for nan of these things
which have gone forward. I wish to
make what personal amends l can;
and eve l shall thank you for the
good which you have done to this
country. Believe me. madam, you
served you own country also in no Ill
manner This situation could not
have been prevented, and 1t is not
your fault. 1 beg you to believe that.
Had you n / been left alone there
&ould have been no war"