e as the result was announced. Wilksley had the most votes, the
dark horse the least; Hume enjoyed a happy medium, with fifteen more
to his count than forecast by the man behind the button, as Joe
designated Knowles.

In the rush of action from the delegates, reporters, clerks, and
messengers, the place resembled a beehive. Then came another ballot
taking. Hume had gained ten votes from the Wilksley men and fifteen
from the dark horse, but still lacked the requisite number.

From the little retreat where Hume's manager was ensconced, with his
hand on the throttle, David emerged. He looked confident and
determined.

The third ballot resulted in giving Hume the entire added strength of
the dark horse, and enough votes to elect. A committee was thereupon
appointed to bring the three candidates to the House. When they
entered and were escorted to the platform they each made a speech, and
then formed a reception line. David stood apart, talking to one of the
members. He was beginning to feel the reaction from the long strain he
had been under and wished to slip away from the crowd. Suddenly he
heard some one say:

"Mr. Speaker, may I congratulate you?"

CHAPTER IV

He turned quickly, his heart thrilling at the charm in the voice, low,
yet resonant, and sweet with a lurking suggestion of sadness.

A girl, slender and delicately made, stood before him, a girl with an
exquisite grace and a nameless charm--the something that lurks in the
fragrance of the violet. Her eyes were not the quiet, solemn eyes of
the little princess of his fairy tales, but the deep, fathomless eyes
of a maiden.

A reminiscent smile stole over his face.

"The little princess!" he murmured, taking her hand.

The words brought a flush of color to her fair face.

"The prince is a politician now," she replied.

"The prince has to be a politician to fight for his kingdom. Have you
been here all the evening?"

"Yes; father and I sat with your party. But you were altogether too
absorbed to glance our way."

"Are you visiting in the city? Will you be here long?"

"For to-night only. I've been West with father, and we only stopped
off to see what a senatorial fight was like; also, to hear you speak.
To-morrow we return East, and then mother and I shall go abroad.
Father," calling to Mr. Winthrop, "I am renewing my acquaintance with
Mr. Dunne."

"I wish to do the same," he said, extending his hand cordially. "I
expect to be able to te