Abel knew perfectly well that she spoke the truth, but he had never thought of it before.

Was he then going so long a journey without a friend, unless she went with him?
Was she the only one left of all the world?
As his mind pondered the question his eye fell upon a newspaper of the day before, in which he saw his name.

He took it up mechanically, and read a paragraph praising him and his speech; foretelling "honor and troops of friends" for a young man who began his public career so brilliantly.
"There; hear this!" said he, as he read it aloud and looked at his companion.

"Troops of friends, do you see?
and yet you talk of being my only dependence in the world! Fie! fie! Mrs.Delilah Jones." It was melancholy merriment.

He did not smile, and the woman's face was quietly sober.
"For the present, then, Mr.Speaker and fellow-citizens," said Abel Newt, waving his hand as he saw that every thing was ready, and that the carriage waited only for him and his companion, "I bid these scenes adieu! For the present I terminate my brief engagement.