s considered
himself--was old Riley. Servants might come and servants might go, but
Riley the faithful was always to be found in his appointed place,
occupied by his appointed task. New York was the only home he
recognized, since, in addition to being "Misther Robert's" place of
residence, it also connected him with the one tie in life beyond his
devotion to his master and his master's family. This was an only son who
had risen by degrees to be a pressman in a local printing-office and,
which was more to the point, had become a political power in his
particular ward. Riley's interest in his son was far greater than any
reciprocal sentiment manifested by the younger man. Occasionally the
father ventured to look up his famous offspring, but was always received
with a patronizing indulgence; and when he returned to his own
insignificant duties, it was with a sense of gratitude for the reflected
greatness.

After one of these rare treats, every member of the family could read in
Riley's face the degree of cordiality with which the old man had been
received; so when, one afternoon a few weeks after their return to New
York, he lingered after giving Mrs. Gorham the evening paper in the
garden, she noted the expression of expectancy and turned from her
conversation with Alice to gratify his unspoken desire to be questioned.
As a matter of fact, Eleanor had reproached herself for complaining of
Riley to Mr. Gorham, and this was an opportunity to make amends.

"You haven't told us about your call on James last night, Riley. How did
you find him?"

"Fine, ma'm, fine," he replied, straightening up as he realized that his
opportunity had arrived. "Jimmie is th' great man, ma'm, if I do say it
as hadn't orter."

"Splendid, Riley!" exclaimed Eleanor, glancing at Alice with amusement.
"It is a fine thing to have our children do us credit. What new honor
has come to James ?"

"I don't know where he gits it, ma'm, tho' his mother was a smart
woman, but he's th' clever la-ad, ma'm; indade he is."

"Do tell us about it, Riley," Alice added, entering into Eleanor's
spirit; "we are all impatience."

"He's th' clever la-ad," Riley repeated, still rolling the sweet morsel
under his tongue. "He's th' comin' man in New York politics, I'm
thinkin'," he mused. "Mebbe he'll be an aldherman yit. Wan iv his
ancistors in th' ol' counthry was a game warden wanst--mebbe Jimmie will
be an aldherman yit."

There was no use trying to hasten the