Meanwhile several things happened in Bayport.
One of these things was the farewell of the Honorable Heman Atkins.
Congress was to open at Washington, and the Honorable heeded the call of duty.

Alicia and the housekeeper went with him, and the big house was closed for the winter.

At the gate between the stone urns, and backed by the iron dogs, the great man bade a group of admiring constituents good-by.

He thanked them for their trust in him, and promised that it should not be betrayed.
"I leave you, my fellow townsmen, er--ladies and friends," he said, "with regret, tempered by pride--a not inexcusable pride, I believe.

In the trying experience which my self-respect and sympathy has so recently forced upon me, you have stood firm and cheered me on.