the first suggestor.

The three women looked in the next day's papers, but the reporters were
as much at sea in regard to the Stirling-sixth-ward incident, as had
been the rank-and-file in the convention. Three took their views from
Maguire, and called it "shameful treason," and the like. Two called it
"unprincipled and contradictory conduct." One alone said that "Mr.
Stirling seemed to be acting conscientiously, if erratically." Just what
effect it had had on the candidates none of the papers agreed in. One
said it had killed Porter. Another, that "it was a purely personal
matter without influence on the main question." The other papers shaded
between these, though two called it "a laughable incident." The
opposition press naturally saw in it an entire discrediting of both
factions of the Democratic party, and absolute proof that the nominee
finally selected was unfit for office.

Unable to sift out the truth, the ladies again appealed to the voters of
the family.

"Oh," said one, "Stirling did something tricky and was caught in it."

"I don't believe that," said Miss De Voe.

"Nor I," said Dorothy.

"Well, if you want to make your political heeler an angel, I have no
objection," laughed the enfranchised being.

"I don't think a man who made that speech about the children can be a
scoundrel," said Dorothy.

"I don't either," said Minna.

"That's the way you women reason," responded he of the masculine
intellect. "Because a man looks out for some sick kittens, ergo, he is a
political saint. If you must take up with politicians, do take
Republicans, for then, at least, you have a small percentage of chance
in your favor that they are gentlemen."

"Don't be a Pharisee, Lispenard," said Miss De Voe, utilizing Peter's
rebuke.

"Then don't trouble me with political questions. Politics are so vulgar
in this country that no gentleman keeps up with them."

Miss De Voe and the two girls dropped the "vulgar" subject, but Miss De
Voe said later:

"I should like to know what they laughed at?"

"Do ask him--if he comes to call on you, this winter, Cousin Anneke."

"No. I asked him once and he did not come." Miss De Voe paused a moment.
"I shall not ask him again," she added.

"I don't think he intends to be rude," said Dorothy.

"No," responded Miss De Voe. "I don't think he knows what he is doing.
He is absolutely without our standards, and it is just as well for both
that he shouldn't call." Woman-like, Miss