Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1917-05-03
Theodosia Burr
A. Munsey Co.

were not absent. Here and there an
angry word might have been heard.
The policy Of pellmell was not work
ing itself out in any happy social
fashion.
Matters were at their worst when
suddenly from his own apartments ap-
peared the tall and well composed fig
ure Of MI. Jefferson's young secretary,
social captain Of matters at the execu-
tvs mansion and personal aid to the
president. His quick glance caught
sight of the gathering line Of carriages.
A second glance estimated the plight of
those now damned into the anteroom
like so many cattle and evidently in
distress.
Matters stood thus when, at q time
when scarce another soul could have
been crowded into the anteroom, old
Henry flung open the folding doors
which he had closed.
"Mistah Thomas Jefferson!' was his
sole announcement.
There appeared in the doorway the
tall, slightly stopped figure Of the pres
ident of the United States, one of the
greatest men Of his own or of any day.
lie stood, gravely unconscious Of him
self, TRANQUILITY looking out upon his
gathered guests. He was still clad in
the garb which he had worn through
OF the day-the same in which he had
climbed to the pigeon loft, the same
in which he had labored during all
these long hours.
His coat was still brown and wrin-
killed., hanging loosely on his long
frame. His trousers were the stained
velveteens Of the morning, his waist
coat the same faded red, his hose the
slack wooden pair that he had worn
throughout the day, and upon his feet
horror of horrors!-he wore still his
slippers, the same old carpet slippers.
down at the heel, which had afforded
him ease as he sat at his desk.
AS Thomas jefferson stood he over
topped the men about him head and
shoulders in physical stature, as he dill
in every other measure of a man.
An instant later the curtained fold
ing doors which separated the ante.
room from the dining saloon were
thrown opens Mr.. Jefferson passed in
and took his place at the head of the
table, casting not a single look toward
any who were to join him there. There
was no announcements: there was no
pas. no precedence, no reserved. place
for any man, no announcement for any
lady or gentleman, no servant to escort
any to a place at table.
1t had been worse. far worse. this
|. extraordinary scene. had it not been
for the swiftness and tact of the young
man to whom so much was intrusted.
Meriwether Lewis FASTENED here and
there. wedding out those who could not
, convince him that they were invited to
dine. He separated as best he might
the socially elect from those not yet
socially arrived until at length he stood
almost the sole barrier against those
who still crowded forward.
"Tell me-" demanded Minister Merry.
who, seeing that no other escort offered
for her, had given his angry lady his
own arm. tell me, sir, where Is the
| president? To whom shall l present
the compliments Of his British males
ty?"
"Yonder is the president of the Unit
ed States, sir" said Meriwether Lewis.
"IIe with whom you shook hands is
the president. lie stands at the head
of his table, and you are welcome, If
you like. He asks you to enter"
Merry turned to his wife and from
| her to the wife Of the Spanish minis.
ter.
"Impossible!!' said he. Il do not un
d~erstand-it cannot be! That man
that extraordinary man in breaches and