An American Politician

reach Boston the next morning, and Josephine Thorn knew that the hour had come. She was not

she knew when the day was come that she had in reality thought intensely of the very words which must be spoken. To Miss Schenectady she had said nothing,

hat her evil destiny might spring upon her unawares at any moment, and she felt something when she was with Harrington that warned her. For the first time in her life she knew what it was to have moods of melancholy; she caught herself asking what was really the end

literature, music, art of all kinds, history and the doings of great men– by one invariable standard. Her comments on what she heard and read were uniformly delivered from the same point of view, in the same tone of practical judgment, and with the same assumption of original superiority. It was the everlasting "Carthago delenda" of the Roman orator. Whatever th

ld be such as to jar unpleasantly on the sensibilities of Europeans. Where is the real difference? It probably lies in some subtle point of proportion in the psychic chemistry of the Boston mind,

assistance, and though they had more than once talked of Ronald Surbiton since receiving his cable from England, Joe had not said anything of her intentions regarding him. When th

young ladies in Boston without encountering the inevitable chaperon, or being obliged to do their talking in the hearing of a police of papas, mammas, and aunts. But as Joe "insi

e in the front drawing-room, reading the life of Mr. Ticknor until Ronald should arrive. Joe was up-stairs writing a note to Sybil Brandon, wherein the latter was asked to lunch and to driv

ng the bell, and was turned into the drawing-room to

e old lady and then bowing slightly. He pronounced her name

d his hostess. "I expec

aid Ronald, in so

ton." Miss Schenectady resumed her seat, and Ronal

the old lady. "What sort o

on the floor beside him, "in fact I believe we came

u come by?" interrup

of the Cunarders. But

So you came on right away fro

k the first train. The fact is, I

" inquired Miss Schenectady,

the question he so greatly longed to ask–the only one, he supposed,

e will be down in a minute. Are you g

But her idea of hospitality at a first meeting seemed to consist chiefly in exhibiting a great and inquisitive interest in the individual she wished to welcome.

e said simply, "but may I ask

could send for her," remarked th

his feet, and searching madly round the room f

ide of the fire-place you would find

ried Ronald, discoverin

uch indifference. "Perhaps you find it cold here?" she con

ks, quite the cont

k you could tell Miss Josephine that Mr.

egan, misunderstanding the form of addres

Schenectady, in

ng rather confused; "I did no

the old lady and the youn

is hands were broad and clean-looking. He was perfectly well dressed, but in a fashion far less extreme than that affected by Mr. Topeka and young John C. Hannibal. There was less collar and more shoulder to him, and his legs were longer and straighter than theirs. Nevertheless, had he stood beside John Harrington, no one would have hesitated an instant in deciding which

he wore, and the military collar of most modern cut met severely about her throat. If Ronald had expected a very affectionate welcome he was destined to disappointment; Joe had determined not to be affectiona

nd, "I am so glad to see you." Her voice was e

ld, holding her hand in his, his face beaming wi

o apologize, but I suppose you have introduced yourself to Aunt Zo?." She

hen you got my telegr

to run away just when the hunting wa

is voice, and looking affectionately at her. Miss Sch

because I have something to say to you, and I should have had

would give him a chance of escaping fro

to lunch," remarked Miss Sch

Joe. "Besides, Sybil is coming,

he mid-day sun. Joe thought a scene would be better to get over in the publicity of the street than in private. Ronald, all unsuspecting of h

your cable came I felt very guilty at ha

know I would come from the end of th

she knew exactly how to say what she wa

. He smiled rather nervously, but his smooth brow

ast, resolved to make short work of the revelation of

rbiton, beginni

have thought–honestly, I know you have thoug

ugh, for he was frightened. "I have

t it all over. I cannot possibly marry you, dear boy. Honestly, I cannot." Her voice trembled violently.

ad of pale. It was rather disappointment and anger tha

ngly. She was not used to entreating so much as t

membered the passers-by,–"do you mean to tell me, Joe, after all this, when I have come to America ju

in the face of Surbiton's wrath, "I am in earnest. I am very, very

and angrily, tapping the pavement with his

said Joe, still very pale; and when she h

h better to be honest, now that you have brought me three thousa

not mean you to come, and I am very sorry,–oh, more s

u can't," he said. "Will yo

oe, coldly. She was

pitched upon in my pl

ightened him. Her dark eyes flashed with an honest fir

man who could speak like that to any woman. I am sorry for you, but I am glad for myself." Sh

e," said Ronald presen

y," Joe answered. But her eyes were

xpected, because Ronald was so angry; she had expected he would be pained. He, poor fellow, was really startled out of all self-control. The idea that Joe could ever ultimately hesitate about marr

lm, though he was still red, "of course you are really

Joe; "I am

better we should go

d Joe. "Indeed, i

aid in a somewhat broken fashion. "I mean,

simple honesty o

er you like. You are very

nd they did not speak again until he left her at M

me until three o'

answered; s

childhood, and so it had been settled; for Ronald was left an orphan when almost a baby, and had been brought up with his cousin as a matter of expediency. Therefore, as Joe said, it had always seemed so very natural. They had plighted

her. Besides, though Sybil was so white and fair, and seemingly cold, she had a warm heart, and had conceived a very real affection for the impulsive English girl. Miss Schenectady had retired t

so good of you t

put her arm round her waist. They st

ainst her friend's shoulder, and nodded silently in answer. Sybil bent down and

of seeming weak, she stood up boldly, turning slightly away as she spoke. "It was dreadfully ha

fire. "And now we will go out into the country and for

d may come too. You see he is so used to me that after a whil

ery nice. He will have to get used to the idea, and

ever when he gets over his wr

e very

y! I never saw

l. "Something like this once happened to me, and he got over it very

aid Joe affectionately. "Nothing half so bad as this–my de

k," remarked Miss Schenect

Joe, "we wal

en walk, of course,

m can," said

he right thing there. Perhaps

meal the door opened, and Ron

" he began, "I

oe, rising to greet him, and taking his hand. "Sy

ghtly. Ronald bowed and sat down b