The Columbus commercial., 1913-03-30


more than | might study
taem under different circumstances.
The great wooden hall had It's
transient and unsubstantial char
acter stamped on every bare wood
en- ioist and unclinched nail. 1t
was gaudy with flags and bunting and
cheap portraits. There were tin ban
nerettes crookedly marshaled on the
aoor, to indicate the homes OF the
different states. A few delegates,
doubtless new to the business and
oyer-zealous, were already on the
6oor. but none OF the principals were
visible. They were perspiring and ar
gulng In those committee rooms, those
hotel lobbies and crowded hotel
rooms where the real business OF the
convention was already done and neat
ly prepared for presentation to the
nation. had nothing to keep me from
studying my neighbors. In front OF
me sat two people who had occupied
the same seats at every session that
twas present. young girl and an old
man. The girl wore the omnipresent
shirtwaist (of pretty blue and white
tints, with snowy cuffs and collar,
and her green straw hat was decked
with blue corn-howers, from which
/ inferred that she had an eye on the
fashions. Her black hair was thick
and glossy under the green straw.
thought that she had graceful neck
1t was very white. Whittier than her
face, which kept touch OF sunburn
as II she were often out in the open
air. Somehow concluded that she
was shop-girl and rode wheel. II
were wrong 1t Is not likely that shall
ever know.
The old man | fancied, was not sc
old as he looked; his delicate. haggart
profile may have owed its sunker
lines and the dim eye to sickness
rather than to years. He wore th'
heavy broadcloth Of the rural poll
tician, and his coat sagged over hi
narrow chest as II he had left hi
waistcoat at home. On his coat lape
were four oldfashioned Blaine badges
necessarily he famed himself.
1T cant be they amt going 4
nominate him todayf" he asked rath
er than asserted. his voice breakinI
on the higher notes, the mere wrecl
of voice.
"oh, maybe later" the girl reaG
sured him.
We'll, wanted to attend a Reput
llcan convention once more before
died. Your ma would have II WASH
strong enough; but knew better
you and ! knew better; didn't We
jenny"
She made no answer except to pa
his thin. ribbed brown hand with he
soft, white, slim one; but there was
world Of sympathy In the gesture an
her silent smile.
Il wonder what your ma said whe
she came downstairs and found th
letter. and us gone," he cackled wit
the garrulous glee Of child recoun
ing successful mischief; made m
think Of the times when you was II
tle and | stole you away for the ci
Gus. Once. your pa thought you wi
iost-'member? And once, you had {
your school dress and you'd tore It.
che did scold you that time. But v
had fun when they used to let n
have money, didn't we, Jennyi"
We'll. nov | earn money, we ha'
good times. too, grandpa" said Jenn
,smiling the same tender, comprehen
ing smile.
I'VE do that; don't know what
would do 'oept cor you, lamble. al
this is--this Is grand time, Jenr
Iyou look and listen; It's great thi
10 see nation making It's princlpl
land Its president and such pre-
dent"
He half turned his head as
spoke, with mounting enthusias
thus bringing his flushing face a
eager eyes--no longer dim-into
focus OF his next neighbor's bril-
gray eyes. The neighbor was a you
man. not very young. but hardly
be called elderly, of an alert beari
and kindly smile.
II think him a pretty fair man 7
self" said the other with a jocose
reinstatement; Il come from
town"
What was there In such a sim
statement to bring distinctly ankle
look into the young girls soft ey
There 1t was; one could not mIsti
tt.
'welll" said the old man; tn
was a fattering Difference In
voice. We'll. well And-and ma,
you've seen him lately7" The quaN
ing tones sharpened with keel
feeling; II was almost as IL the n
were inquiring for some one on VIII
he had great stake OF affecti
-How did he look? Was he bet
stronger"
"oh, he looked elegant" said
Ohio man, easily. but with a disc
certed side glance at the girl VIII
eyes were imploring him.
'I'vs been Blaine man ever eli
he was run the time Bob Ingeri
nominated him." said the old IN
who sighed as II relieved. Il was
that convention and heard
speech"
"Ah, that was Il speech to he;
JaId a man behind, and two or th
men edged their heads nearer.
Th- old Republican etraightei
ais bent Shoulders. his winter-stl
features softened and warmed at
manifestation Of interest, his vc