They have only ten doors to lock every night, now." "Yes," I said, "and your own wife, too, Mrs.S., has the credit of some high-handed measures when you are in Washington." Then I told the whole story, amid peals of laughter, just as related above.

The dinner table scene fairly convulsed the Congressman.

The thought that he had made such a fool of himself in the eyes of Charlotte that she could not even summon a tear in her defense, particularly pleased him.

When sufficiently recovered to speak, he said: "Well, I never could understand how it was that Charlotte suddenly emerged from her thraldom and manifested such rare executive ability.

Now I see to whom I am indebted for the most comfortable part of my married life.