for a remittance to cover depreciation in his account.  Instead he had read with some annoyance a confidential request from Williams that he would work for a certain bill which, in his capacity as a foe of monopoly, he had hoped to be able to oppose.  It offended his conscience to think that he might be obliged secretly to befriend a measure against which his vote must be cast.  As has been intimated, he would have preferred that his business affairs should remain concealed from his wife.  Yet her remarks were unexpectedly and agreeably reassuring.  They served to furnish a fresh indication on her part of intelligent sympathy with the perplexities which beset the path of an ambitious public man.  They suggested a subtle appreciation of the reasonableness of his behavior, notwithstanding its apparent failure to tally with his outward professions.

Selma’s reply interrupted this rhapsody.

“I ought to tell you, I suppose, that I quarrelled with Mrs. Williams before I left New York.  Or, rather, she quarrelled with me.  She insulted me in my own house, and I was obliged to order her to leave it.”

“Quarrelled?  That is a pity.  An open break?  Open breaks in friendship are always unfortunate.”  Lyons looked grieved, and fingered his beard meditatively.

“I appreciate,” said Selma, frankly, “that our falling out will be an inconvenience in case we should meet in Washington or elsewhere, since you and Mr. Williams have business interests in common.  Of course, James, I wish to help you in every way I can.  I might as well tell you about it.  I think she was jealous of me and fancied I was trying to cut her out socially.  At all events, she insinuated that I was not a lady, because I would not lower my standards to hers, and adopt the frivolous habits of her little set.  But I have not forgotten, James, your suggestion that people in public life can accomplish more if they avoid showing resentment and strive for harmony.  I shall be ready to forget the past if Mrs. Williams will, for my position as your wife puts me beyond the reach of her criticism.  She’s a lively little thing in her way, and her husband seems to understand about investments and how to get ahead.”

They went direct to Washington without stopping at Benham.  It was understood that the new session of Congress was to be very short, and they were glad of an opportunity to present themselves in an official capacity at the capital as a conclusion to their honeymoon, before settling down at home.  Selma found a letter from Miss Bailey, containing the news that Pauline Littleton had accepted the presidency of Wetmore College, the buildings of which were now practically completed.  Selma gasped as she read this.  She had long ago decided that her sister-in-law’s studies were unpractical, and that Pauline was doomed to teach small classes all her days, a task for which she was doubtless well fitted.  She resented the selection, for, in her opinion, Pauline lacked the imaginative