Feeling for her, and all the more that the cause of this concerted action against her was as much a mystery to me as it was to herself, I made some attempt to comfort her, which was futile enough, God knows.

She heard my voice, no doubt, but she gave no evidence of noting what I said.

When I had finished--that is, when she no longer heard me speaking--she let her head droop and presently I heard her murmur: "It seems to me that if for any reason he fails to get his election I shall wish to die." She was in this state of dejection, with the echo of this sad sentence in both our ears, when a light tap at the door was followed by the entrance of Letty, the nurse-maid.

She wore an unusual look of embarrassment and held something crushed in her hand.

Mrs.Packard advanced hurriedly to meet her.
"What is it ?" she interrogated sharply, like one expectant of evil tidings.
"Nothing! that is, not much," stammered the frightened girl, attempting to thrust her hand behind her back.
But Mrs.Packard was too quick for her.
"You have something there! What is it?
Let me see." The girl's hand moved forward reluctantly.