The delegate is arrested in his onward flight, and proves to be one of the ablest men in the house, as well as an accomplished gentleman. “I learn, Mr. H----, that you are going to desert us?” “Desert the ladies?--never!” “I mean that you are going for Shepherd?” “That is another thing. I have thought the matter over seriously, and whilst I don’t approve of all the deeds done by the board of public works, upon the whole I must give them my hearty support.” “But you know my candidate is a good man.” The tall, handsome biped looked down on the little woman, and his eyes twinkled whilst he said: “We are all good men.” At this moment the other candidate came up--the poor, bad man who had no woman like Mungo Park to bring him milk and grind him corn. “You know, Mr. Shepherd, that I have opposed you from the start. I have been doing all I could; I don’t deny it.” The great, sharp, white teeth close over the red under lip, as if a laugh must be strangled regardless of consequences. “I know it; but I cannot understand your opposition. I love the ladies; I always have.” “That may be; but you opposed our movement. When you were editor of the _Republican_ you made fun of me.” “But you must know an editor cannot oversee everything that goes into his paper.” “But the tone of the paper I complain of.” “I do not oppose the movement of reform, but I earnestly object to the manner in which you intend to bring it about! but I must go. I hope you will think better of me,” and the jolly figure and winning face disappears. The delegate who spoke so earnestly in favor of the board of public works pauses to be introduced to the Senator’s wife. As he is about to depart the writer asked his opinion in regard to woman coming to such a place to influence “legislation.” “I rather like it.” “Do not let your gallantry get the better of truth. For my part I oppose it, for this reason, we accomplish nothing. Every Samson on this floor ought to have had his ambrosial locks sheared before he came here. Would the old Scriptural giant have held still in public whilst that sly puss, Delilah, was engaged in her artistic work? “I cannot think of anything that would tempt me to be found here to influence legislation. I came with my pen to make a picture for _The Press_, just as I shall go to the Virginia hills, with my pencil and portfolio, when the weather becomes fine.”