Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work

"

"Dan's a friend o' 'Rastus," said the woman, thoughtfully. "I seen 'em

talkin' together the other day."

"But this isn't a matter of friendship; it's business, and Mr. Forbes is

very anxious to have your husband with him. If Mr. Forbes is elected it

means lighter taxes, better roads and good schools. If Mr. Hopkins is

elected it does not mean anything good except for Mr. Hopkins."

"I guess you're right about that," laughed the woman. "'Rast don't let

much get away from him."

"You're very clever, Mrs. Simmons. You have discovered the fact without

being told."

"Oh, I know 'Rast Hopkins, an' so does Dan."

"Then I can depend on you to help us?" asked the girl, patting the

tousled head of a little girl who stood by staring at "the pretty lady."

"I'll talk to him, but I dunno what good it'll do," said Mrs. Simmons,

thoughtfully.

"I know. He won't refuse to do what you ask him, for a man always

listens to his wife when he knows she's right. You'll win, Mrs. Simmons,

and I want to thank you for saving the election for us. If we get Mr.

Simmons on our side I believe we'll be sure to defeat Hopkins."

"Oh, I'll do what I kin," was the ready promise, and after a few more

remarks about the children and the neatness of the house, Louise took

her leave.

"Will she win him over?" asked the girl of Mr. Watson, when they were

jogging on to the next homestead.

"I really can't say, my dear," replied the old lawyer, thoughtfully;

"but I imagine she'll try to, and if Dan doesn't give in Mrs. Simmons

will probably make his life miserable for a time. You flattered them

both outrageously; but that will do no harm."

And so it went on throughout the day. Sometimes the farmer himself was

around the house, and then they held a sort of conference; Louise asked

his advice about the best way to win votes, and said she depended a

great deal upon his judgment. She never asked a man which side he

favored, but took it for granted that he was anxious to support Mr.

Forbes; and this subtle flattery was so acceptable that not one declared

outright that he was for Hopkins, whatever his private views might have

been.