"So you have become a politician?" she said to Ardly. "I am so interested!"
"You wouldn't be if you knew as much of it as I do," remarked Nevins. "You'd be ashamed. It makes me blush every time I see his name on a ticket. I consider it an offence against the paths of our fathers."
"Why, Mr. Ryder told me you were working for him," Mariana returned; "but he did say that he couldn't reconcile it with your common-sense. He's for the other side, you know."
"So am I!" groaned Nevins; "but what has a man's convictions to do with his vote?"
"Or with his election?" laughed Ardly. "But Nevins is an unwilling accomplice of my aspirations."
"I wouldn't call them aspirations," remonstrated Nevins.
Mariana buttoned her glove and rose. "I am going to work for you," she said, "and my influence is not to be scorned. I have not one vote, but dozens. I shall elect you."
"Don't," pleaded Nevins; "it will soil your hands!"
"Oh, I can wash them!" she laughed; "and it is worth a few smuts. I shall tell Mr. Ryder to canvass for you," she added.
Ardly shouted, "Good heavens! He is one of the best fighters the Republicans have!"