“But you’re not afraid of her? John Vassar, a descendant of old Yan Vasa in whose veins ran the royal blood of Poland--ten years in Congress from this big East Side district--the idol of the people--chairman of the National House Committee on Military Affairs”--she paused and her voice dropped to the tensest pride--“my candidate for governor of New York--you positively won’t go to the meeting in Union Square tonight?” she added quietly. “Positively--” “Then, Uncy dear, I’ll have to deliver the message--” She drew a crumpled note from her bosom and handed it to him without a word. He broke the seal and read with set lips: HON. JOHN VASSAR, M. C., 16 STUYVESANT SQUARE, NEW YORK. DEAR SIR: Our committee in charge of the canvass of your congressional district in the campaign for woman’s suffrage have tried in vain to obtain an expression of your views. We are making a house to house canvass of every voter in New York. You have thus far side-stepped us. You are a man of too much power in the State and nation to overlook in such a fight. The Congressional Directory informs us that you are barely thirty-six years old. You have already served ten years in Washington with distinction and have won your spurs as a national leader. A great future awaits you unless you incur the united opposition of the coming woman voter. I warn you that we are going to sweep the Empire State. Your majority is large and has increased at each election. It is not large enough if we mark you for defeat. I have sincerely hoped that we might win you for our cause. I ask for a declaration of your position. You must be for us or against us. There can be no longer a middle course. I should deeply regret the necessity of your defeat if you force the issue. Your niece has quite won my heart and her passionate enthusiasm for her distinguished uncle has led me to delay this important message until the introduction of your bill for militarism has forced it. Sincerely, VIRGINIA HOLLAND, Pres’t National Campaign Committee. John Vassar read the letter a second time, touched the tips of his mustache thoughtfully and fixed his eyes on Zonia. “And my little sweetheart will join the enemy in this campaign!” A tear trembled on the dark lashes. “Ah, Uncy darling, how could you think such a thing!” “You bring this challenge--” “I only want to vote--to--elect--you--governor--” The voice broke in a sob, as he bent and kissed the smooth young brow. She clung to him tenderly. “Uncy dear, just for my sake, because I love you so--because you’re my hero--won’t you do something for me--Just because _I_ ask it?” “Maybe--” “Go to Union Square with me then--” He shook his head emphatically. “Against my principles, dear--” “It’s not against your principles to make me happy?” He took her cheeks between his hands.