more softly alluring than ever--that of the hostess. She was dressed in
some loose, rich-colored robe, which had the effect of drapery.

"When did you get back?" Cargill inquired, a little more humanly.

"Yesterday, and I am just in the midst of the luxury of feeling at
home, with no journeys to make to-morrow. I have a friend I would like
to introduce to you," she said, rising and going out. She returned in a
few moments with a tall young lady in street dress, whom she introduced
as Miss Cassiday.

In a short time Cargill had involved Miss Cassiday in a discussion of
the decline of literature, which left Ida free to talk with Bradley. It
was the most beautiful evening in his life. He talked as never before.
He told her of his reading, and of his plans. He told her of his
election to the legislature.

"Ah, that is good!" she said; "then we have one more champion of women
in our State House."

"Yes, I will do what I can," he said.

"I will be here to hear you. I am one of the committee in charge of the
bill."

The firelight fell upon her face, flushing its pallor into a beauty
that exalted the young farmer out of his fear and reticence. They
talked upon high things. He told her how he had studied the social
question, since hearing her speak in Iowa City. He called to her mind
great passages in the books she had sent him, and quoted paragraphs
which touched upon the fundamental questions at issue. He spoke of his
hopes of advancement.

"I want to succeed," he said, "in order that I may teach the new
doctrine of rights. I want to carry into the party I have joined the
real democracy. I believe a new era has come in our party."

"I am afraid not," she said, looking at the fire. "I begin to believe
that we must wait till a new party rises out of the needs of people,
just as the old Free-soil Party rose to free the slaves. Don't deceive
yourself about your party in this State. It is after the offices, just
the same as the party you have left. They juggle with the tariffs and
the license question, because it helps them. They will drop any
question and any man when they think they are going to lose by
retaining him. They will drop you if you get too radical. I warn you!"
she said, looking up at him and smiling with a touch of bitterness in
her smile; "I am dangerous. My counsel does not keep men in office. I
belong to the minority. I am very dangerous."

"I'm not afraid," he said, thrilling with the intensity of hi