what he could offer her as the consort of a legislator--as high an honor
as his narrow vision could compass. She had found him cursing, had
kept him at bay, and he had already had evidence of the danger of
precipitateness in her case. And his tears made him feel foolish. His
ardor had been wet down; it took a back seat. His natural good judgment
was again boss of the situation.

"I had something on my mind--but it can wait till you're in less of a
hurry, Vona. Never neglect a mother. That's my attitude toward women.
I'm always considerate where they're concerned. It's my nature. I hope
you'll hold that in mind."

"Yes, Mr. Britt." She turned and hurried to the door, getting away from
a fire that was showing signs of breaking out of its smoldering brands
once more.

Britt recovered some of his courage when her back was turned. "You
haven't said anything about those verses," he stammered.

"I think it's a beautiful way of putting aside your business cares for a
time. I'm taking them home to read to mother."

He marched to the window and watched her as long as she was in sight.

Then he glowered on such of the Egyptians as passed to and fro along
the street on their affairs. He muttered, spicing his comments with
profanity. The girl's disclaimer of personal interest in Britt's
ambitions did not soften his rancorous determination to make the voters
of Egypt suffer for the stand they had taken--suffer to the bitter limit
to which unrelenting persecution could drive them. He gritted his teeth