The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1912-03-07

politics to understand what duty call
means. Come!"
The young man flushed. Reply fail
ID him. He followed the governor to
bis carriage. 1t was late afternoon,
and the state house was emptying.
As Harlan ran up the steps Of the
Presson house Spinney's ugly threat
came to him. The man dealt In gossip.
1t was an incredible form OF attack. 1t
was slander Of the innocent. He could
not fOrewarn Madeleine PressOn. That
would be caddish.
But he felt sudden panic. The i'm
pulse Of admiration, covetous desire to
win her away from Linton, desire
pricked by his increasing dislike of
that young rival in love and politics,
the charm she possessed for him. who
had met In her his first woman Of In
tellect and culture-all drove him to
her.
She came down to the reception
room. He had sent up an urgent re-
quest.
NO." she said with n smile after she
had listened, Il think Iii put your 10y
atty to the test! You put Governor
Weymouth and your politics first. do
you?"
But you haven't given me the right
to put you first" he returned boldly.
Just how was l to go about giving
you that right?" she inquired with de-
mure sarcasm. "Memorialize you. Mr..
ntnff 4 QUO pt frn
! the house gallery concealed In u bou-
quet!'
| In spite Of the waiting governor out
side he started toward her. his arms
outstretched, his heart rushing to his
lips. Her taunt-it seemed like that
made him desperate.
Madeleine, l tried to tell you.
know 1t seemed a strange place. but I
couldn't wait. want to tell you now
She eluded him and stopped him with
a word. He was not impetuous enough
to persist.
"Oh, you master of the art Of love-
makingw she cried. Pique mingled
with mirth in her tone. First, you
propose to me In the midst Of the mob,
then you propose to me. bursting in
like messenger boy, and yonder the
governor of this state. with anxious
head out Of his carriage window, scowl-
ing because you don't come along! Ad-
mirable occasions for pledging passion
and lifelong devotion! Dear Harlan.
your ingenuity must be puzzled by this
time. I'll make a suggestion: Fly over
our house in n balloon and shout your
declaration down the chimney. I'll sit
In the fireplace from to after
noons."
"1'll not be put on" he cried.
"You shall be put off. and I'll do It,"
Laughing, she took him by his arm
and led him out into the hall. Pro-
testing, he went. II have some re-
spect for the feelings of our governor
on chilly afternoon, even II you
| haven't. You are excused from our
little dinner. Go, now, Harlan. I'm
serious"
There's one thing you have given
me-" he said, red, half angry and thor
ou~hly subducd, land that's the prom
ise that l may take you to the legisla-
tive ball. That's tomorrow highland
we'll see" He bolted out upon the
steps.
"Delightful" she cried after him.
"What an opportunity the stage Of
city hall will afford for another" She
shut the door before ne could reply.
Governor Weymouth had no other
guests at dinner. He did not broach
hi business until they were seated in
the little parlor' of the modest man
sion. The room had been converted
into study.
ITO date the session has hardly been
what you .hoped-perhaps that's too
strong word-what you expected it
would I've, has itT' inquired the gov
ernor, his earnestness showing that he
was ready to begin. He did not wait
for a reply.
MATTERS have run in the old rut
Every one seems to be satisfied, eh-
even the radicals In the prohibition
movement? Isn't that so? Their men
have introduced some new legislation.
adding on more penalties that no Off
Ger will ever enforce. But the mere
legislation satisfies 'em. Everybody
satisfied apparently" The governor
uttered that last sentence in medita-
tive manner Then he Strengthened
and slapped his hand upon his chair
| arm so suddenly t Harlan started.
| But am not satisfied he shouted.
Il have let them run along. have
let them introduce their bills. have
waited for the lawmakers of this state
and for the neople to take some initia-
tive. ! gave them their call last fall
In my letter. l noped that some part
Of this state was awake. But those
few who have shown some signs Of
civic interest have only pecked around
the edges Of reform. Nothing has been
done. Harlan Thornton. Not one
sweeping bill has been introduced.