yes of jealous men, in her finery and with her jewels; how
she would sit in the gallery at the State House and survey him making
his bigness among the lawmakers; for some weeks he had been laboring on
the composition of a speech that he intended to deliver. But her second
dash of cold water kept him from the disclosure of his feelings. He
went on so far as to ask her if she did not think a session at the state
capital would be interesting.

"I have never thought anything about such a matter, of course, Mr.
Britt, being only a girl and not a politician."

"But women who are there get into high society and wear fine clothes and
have a grand time, Vona."

"It must be a tedious life," she replied, indifferently.

"Wouldn't you like to try it?" Now that he could not offer her the grand
inducement he had planned as an essential part of his campaign of love
he sought consolation in her assurance that the prospect did not tempt
her. His hopes revived. He was reflecting that his money could buy
railroad tickets, even if he had not the popularity with which to win
votes. She shook her head promptly when he asked the question, and he
went on with his new idea. "I suppose what a girl really enjoys is to
see the world, after she has been penned up all her life in a town like
this."

"I don't waste my time in foolish longings, Mr. Britt. In fact, I have
no time to waste on anything." She gave him a bit of a smile. "In that
connection I'll confess that I must hurry home and help mother with some
sewing. Did you want anything especial of me?" Her smile had vanished,
and in her tone there was a clink of the metallic that was as subtly
suggestive of "On guard" as the click of a trigger.

Mr. Britt had planned upon a radiant disclosing of his
projects--expecting to be spurred in his advances by the assurance of
what he could offer her as the consort of a legislator--as high an honor
as his narrow vision could compass. She had found him cursing, had
kept him at bay, and he had already had evidence of the danger of
precipitateness in her case. And his tears made him feel foolish. His
ardor had been wet down; it took a back seat. His natural good judgment
was again boss of the situation.

"I had something on my mind--but it can wait till you're in less of a
hurry, Vona. Never neglect a mother. That's my attitude toward women.
I'm always considerate where they're concerned. It's my nature. I hope
you'll hold that in mind."

"Yes, Mr