THE CONGRESSMAN’S WIFE [Illustration: “‘_We’ve come back to have another little talk with you, Mr. Briggs._’”] The Congressman’s Wife _A Story of American Politics_ BY JOHN D. BARRY AUTHOR OF “A DAUGHTER OF THESPIS,” Etc. ILLUSTRATED BY ROLLIN G. KIRBY [Illustration: Decorative image] 1903 The Smart Set Publishing Co. NEW YORK LONDON COPYRIGHTED 1900, by ESS ESS PUBLISHING CO. COPYRIGHTED 1903, by THE SMART SET PUBLISHING CO. _First Printing Sept._ Preface In this story my aim has not been primarily to depict conditions in American politics. This work has already been done far better than I could do it by several writers, among others, by Mr. Brand Whitlock, whose novel, “The Thirteenth District,” shows a remarkable insight and fidelity. I have merely used a familiar condition for the purpose of tracing some of its purely social and human complications. The contrast between the standards a man may follow in public life or in business and those he maintains at home, with his wife and children, seemed to me to afford material worth the attention of the story-writer. J. D. B. _July, 1903._ “_Naught’s gained, all’s spent, When our desire is got without content._” THE CONGRESSMAN’S WIFE I “Yes, Washington is never finer than now.” The white-haired Senator stood at the top of the steps of the Capitol and looked benignly across the city. The air was heavy with the rich odor of Spring. The trees were putting out their tender green leaves. Douglas Briggs nodded. “It will be fine for a few weeks. Then we shall have to send our families away,” he said, adding quickly, with a glance at the Capitol, “that is, if they keep us here.” “It soon becomes unbearable, the heat,” the old gentleman agreed. “We always try to get away before June. I suppose you have to be careful about your little ones.” “Yes; and then Mrs. Briggs is rather run down, I think. It has been a hard Winter for her--so much entertaining.”