"Jane Samantha," said the husband, as he donned his hat and coat, "I
would offer a suggestion ere you go to cast your vote. We have had a
bitter struggle through this strenuous campaign, and the issues are
important, and they stand out clear and plain. Colonel Whitehead
stands for progress--for the uplift that we need: he invites
investigation of his every word and deed. He's opposed to all the
ringsters and to graft of every kind; he's a man of spotless record,
clean and pure in heart and mind. His opponent, Major Bounder, stands
for all that I abhor; plunder, ring rule and corruption you will see
him working for; all the pluggers and the heelers stood by him in this
campaign--so I ask your vote for Whitehead and the uplift, dearest
Jane."
"William Henry," said the housewife, "I am sorry to decline, but the
wife of Colonel Whitehead never was a friend of mine. Last July she
gave a party--you recall her Purple Tea?--and invited all the
neighbors, but she said no word to me. I don't care about your issues
or your uplift or your ring, but I won't support the husband of that
silly, stuck-up thing!"
Major Bounder was the victor on that day of stress and strife, for it
seemed that many women didn't like the Colonel's wife.