CHAPTER XLI.
A LITTLE DINNER.
When Mrs.Dinks told her husband of Alfred's marriage, the Honorable Budlong said it was a great pity, but that it all came of the foolish fondness of the boy's mother; that nothing was more absurd than for mothers to be eternally coddling their children.

Although who would have attended to Mr.Alfred if his mother had not, the unemployed statesman forgot to state, notwithstanding that he had just written a letter upon public affairs, in which he eloquently remarked that he had no aspirations for public life; but that, afar from the turmoils of political strife, his modest ambition was satisfied in the performance of the sweet duties which the wise Creator, who has set the children of men in families, has imposed upon all parents.
"However," said he, "Mr.Newt is a wealthy merchant.

It's all right, my dear! Women, and especially mothers, are peculiarly silly at such times.
Endeavor, Mrs.Dinks, to keep the absurdity--which, of course, you will not be able to suppress altogether--within bounds.

Try to control your nerves, and rely upon Providence." Therewith the statesman stroked his wife's chin.

He controlled his own nerves perfectly, and went to dress for dinner with a select party at General Belch's, in honor of the Honorable B.J.Ele, who, in his capacity as representative in Washington, had ground an axe for his friend the General.