“Well,” she persisted, and he saw that her lips were growing rigid, “I think we need conscience in our politics, whether it’s New England or not.”
Garwood laughed, but it was a bitter laugh. “I’m afraid it wouldn’t win. A conscience, Emily, is about as great an impediment to a practical politician in these days as it is to a successful lawyer.”
“Don’t be cynical, Jerome,” she pleaded. And she thought again.
“Did you promise Hale the post-office for getting you those Tazewell County votes?”
“Of course I did,” said Garwood, “what of it?”
“I don’t like it,” said Emily.
“You don’t?”
“No, dear, I don’t.”
“What would you have me do? Give it to some fellow over there who was against me?”
“N-n-n-no,” she said, “but—”