Part 31 (2/2)

Senator Langdon mustered his voice into service at last.

”I've been thinking,” he said, slowly, ”that--”

”That your daughters did not know,” interrupted Mrs. Spangler, ”of our--”

”The telephone--upstairs--is ringing, madam,” said a maid who had entered to Mrs. Spangler.

The adventuress could not leave the Senator and his daughters alone, though she knew it must be Peabody calling her. At any moment he might remember his speech and leave. Already late, he would still be later, though, because he would have no carriage--hers would purposely be delayed.

”Tell the person speaking that you are empowered to bring me any message--that I cannot leave the dining-hall,” she said to the maid.

To gain time and to hold the Senator's attention, Mrs. Spangler asked, slowly:

”Well, Senator, what was it that you were going to say when I interrupted you a few moments ago?”

Langdon had been racking his brain for some inspiration that would enable him to save the feelings of his hostess, and yet indicate his position clearly. He would not commit himself in any way. He would jump up and p.r.o.nounce her an impostor first.

After a moment of silence his clouded face cleared.

”Mrs. Spangler,” he began, ”your announcement to-day I have considered to be--”

”Premature,” she suggested.

The maid returned.

”Mr. Wall says Senator Langdon is wanted at once at the Capitol.”

”Great heavens!” exclaimed Langdon, springing to his feet and glancing at the clock. ”I'm late! I'm late! I hope to G.o.d I'm not too late!”

”Mr. Wall says a carriage is coming for Senator Langdon,” concluded the maid.

”We must talk this matter over some other time, Mrs. Spangler,” the Mississippian cried, as he sent a servant for his hat and coat. ”I hope that carriage hurries, else I'll try it on the run for the Capitol!”

”It's a half hour away on foot,” said Mrs. Spangler. ”Better wait.

You'll save time.”

But to herself she muttered, as though mystified:

”I wonder why Peabody changed his mind so suddenly? Why should he now want the old fool at the Capitol?”

The rumble of wheels was heard outside.

”Hurry, father!” cried Hope Georgia.

The Senator hurried down the stone steps of Mrs. Spangler's residence as rapidly as his weight and the excitement under which he labored would permit. Opening the coach door, he plunged inside--to come face to face with Bud Haines, who had huddled down in a corner to avoid observance from the Spangler windows. The driver started his horses off on a run.

Struggling to regain his breath, the Senator cried:

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