Thus Claudia Carlstadt was gently navigated into Mr.Sluss's glowing life.
The matter was not so difficult of accomplishment.

Through the Hon.
Joel Avery, Marchbanks secured a letter from a political friend of Mr.
Sluss in behalf of a young widow--temporarily embarrassed, a competent stenographer, and the like--who wished a place under the new administration.

Thus equipped, Claudia presented herself at the mayor's office armed for the fray, as it were, in a fetching black silk of a strangely heavy grain, her throat and fingers ornamented with simple pearls, her yellow hair arranged about her temples in exquisite curls.

Mr.Sluss was very busy, but made an appointment.

The next time she appeared a yellow and red velvet rose had been added to her corsage.