THE CONGRESSMAN’S WIFE
“‘We’ve come back to have another little talk withyou, Mr. Briggs.’”
The
Congressman’s
Wife
A Story of American Politics
BY
JOHN D. BARRY
AUTHOR OF
“A Daughter of Thespis,” Etc.
ILLUSTRATED BY ROLLIN G. KIRBY
1903
The Smart Set Publishing Co.
NEW YORK LONDON
| COPYRIGHTED |
| 1900, by |
| ESS ESS |
| PUBLISHING CO. |
| COPYRIGHTED |
| 1903, by |
| THE SMART SET |
| PUBLISHING CO. |
| First Printing Sept. |
Preface
In this story my aim has not been primarily to depict conditions inAmerican politics. This work has already been done far better than Icould do it by several writers, among others, by Mr. Brand Whitlock,whose novel, “The Thirteenth District,” shows a remarkable insight andfidelity. I have merely used a familiar condition for the purpose oftracing some of its purely social and human complications. The contrastbetween the standards a man may follow in public life or in businessand those he maintains at home, with his wife and children, seemed tome to afford material worth the attention of the story-writer.
J. D. B.
July, 1903.
“Naught’s gained, all’s spent,
When our desire is got without content.”
THE CONGRESSMAN’S WIFE
I
“Yes, Washington is never finer than now.” The white-haired Senatorstood at the top of the steps of the Capitol and looked benignly acrossthe city. The air was heavy with the rich odor of Spring. The treeswere putting out their tender green leaves.
Douglas Briggs nodded. “It will be fine for a few weeks. Then we shallhave to send our families away,” he said, adding quickly, with a glanceat the Capitol, “that is, if they keep us here.”
“It soon becomes unbearable, the heat,” the old gentleman agreed. “Wealways try to get away before June. I suppose you have to be carefulabout your little ones.”
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