Her looked pained. "Stephen, how can you! We came West in order that you
might have more chance for the career to which you are entitled. Our
friends in Boston were more than good." He left the window and came and
stood behind her chair, his hands clasped playfully beneath her chin.
"Have you the exact date about you, mother?" "What date, Stephen?" "When
I shall leave St. Louis for the United States Senate. And you must not
forget that there is a youth limit in our Constitution for senators."
Then the widow smiled,--a little sadly, perhaps. But still a wonderfully
sweet smile. And it made her strong face akin to all that was human