I haven't been quite so pusillanimous, however, as it would seem, for I
have got Nick Long to superintend my campaign."
You may remember that Nicholas Long, or Nick Long, as we always speak
of him, has never stood high in Josephine's good graces on account of
his unorthodox habits regarding church-going. He has an unpleasant way
of encountering us on our way to the sanctuary in the toggery of a man
who is going to take a day off in the country. He has, however, a
cool, analytical mind, and his name has been associated for some years
with reform politics. In obtaining his services as a manager I felt
that I had done well and wisely. Josephine looked a little sober, as
though she was not altogether gratified at my selection, but realizing,
very likely on second thought, that the children's habits were formed,
she contented herself by remarking:
"I shall keep my eye upon him and make sure that he doesn't get you
into any mischief."
"You seem to forget," I said, "that he is a leading reformer."
Josephine smiled incredulously. "Fred," she continued presently, with
a pensive air, "I wish it were the custom here, as it is in England,
for a candidate's wife to go about and buttonhole people and beg votes
and kiss babies for him, and all that sort of thing. I'm not so young
as I was, I know, but I dare say I should appear quite as well as Mrs.
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