Is stript from a convicted thief and he
Left in the nakedness of infamy.”
“Yes, I think women have great control over some branches of politics, or, at least, I will say that some women lend their influence in such a way that political aspirants are masters of the situation at times.”
The speaker was a woman too distinguished looking to be classed as an ordinary person; tall, straight and dignified, the auburn hair looked almost red, as the glints of sunshine rested on one massive coil, which had been so neatly arranged high upon the well-shaped head, giving her a queenly bearing.
The forehead, a trifle low, added much to the determination of the rather square-set jaws; the thin lips curved into a knowing smile, while the hazel eyes shone with the unmistakable signs of wit and ingenuity. If she appeared taller than the average woman it was partly due to the fact that she had a way of looking at people with seeming downcast expression; the effect of this look was produced by the erection of the woman’s head, together with the long eyelashes, which appeared to creep from under the heavy brows; if at first glance one should judge her to be from the ranks of the common, a moment’s study of the face, ending in a glance at the symmetrical figure, would emphatically impress one with the thought that some unusual event had some time in her life mixed the surroundings so thoroughly into her plastic nature that it caused some of the rougher elements to crop out in spite of her complete control, and well planned efforts of concealment.
She had answered my question, so I took courage and asked her another.
“Can you tell me of an instance wherein a woman has, by her own efforts, been able to control the political situation?”
“Yes.”
She spoke almost snappishly, then in a softer tone she continued:
“If you will excuse a personal allusion, I will give you a story.”