“And yet you expect me to favor him!”
“But don’t you see the difference? Your pardon will mean everything to father——”
“And to you!”
“Yes, but that’s a secondary consideration. I’d ask this for father just the same, if it meant disaster for me!”
“I believe you would!” and Appleby gazed admiringly at the sweet, forceful face, and the earnest eyes.
“Of course I should! As I say, it means life’s happiness to him.”
“And his consent means just as much to me.”
“No, it doesn’t. That’s just it. Even though father doesn’t definitely help you in your son’s election, he will do nothing to hinder. And that’s much the same.”
“It’s far from being the same. His positive and definite help is a very different matter from his negative lack of interference. It’s the help I want. And I do want it! Do you suppose I’d come here and urge it—beg for it—if I didn’t think it absolutely necessary?”
“No; I suppose not. But I know he never will grant it, so you may as well give up hope.”