etary interest, as
they realize that they are important factors, as voters and working
units of the government, in the great work of shaping its destiny.

"As you are the guest of honor at Fenwick Hall, I am going to do my
best to make you, for one week, the happiest man in town! The evenings
are to be devoted to the theatre, the opera, and to various society
events at Fenwick Hall, arranged for your especial benefit and
edification."

"My dear Fern," said Fillmore, "How good and kind you are! To be near
you, to hear your voice, to look into your beautiful eyes; is paradise
for me! A week so full of happiness, I shall cherish as the one week of
a lifetime! As to these society events of which you speak, I shall be
jealous of each moment so devoted which shall take you from my side.
Pray then, my good angel, do make such moments as short as possible!"

"Rest assured, my knight of the farm, you shall have no cause to
complain," said Fern, with a saucy smile as she laid her hand
caressingly on his arm. "You are to come with me, prepared to look and
listen, while I show you the beauties of my Washington home!"

* * * * *

As the "Saint Louis Express" left the Washington station, westward
bound, Fillmore Flagg caught a final glimpse of Fern Fenwick, as with
characteristic grace and enthusiasm she continued to wave a parting
salute with her dainty lace handkerchief, until the train had vanished
around the curve. With a sigh he returned to his seat to muse over the
events of the week which had passed so sweetly yet so very swiftly for
him.

Yes, Fern had kept her pledge up to the last moment. As the guest of
honor at Fenwick Hall, she as hostess, in all the graciousness of her
bewitching beauty, marked by such charming tenderness, had made him
conscious each day that he was indeed the happiest man in town. He now
returned to Solaris with renewed courage and enthusiasm, to prepare for
the celebration at the farm of the coming arbor-day festival, which Fern
had promised to attend. As this celebration was to mark her first visit
to Solaris Farm, he wished most ardently to have it prove a great
success.

The events of the past week had been a revelation to Fillmore Flagg: a
host of new attributes to the noble character of Fern Fenwick had shone
forth and dazzled him by their unexpected brilliancy. He began to
realize what a wonderful woman she was in this new role, as the queen of
the select