"Yes, and adjourned a bear pit at that," answered the gentleman from Tennessee. "Mr. Tyler has asked me to come across town to meet him. Do you happen to know where he is now?"
"He was here a few moments ago, Governor. We were but escorting this lady to her carriage, as she claims fatigue from late hours at the ball last night."
"Surely so radiant a presence," said Mr. Polk gallantly, "means that she left the ball at an early hour."
"Quite so," replied that somewhat uncertain lady demurely. "Early hours and a good conscience are advised by my physicians."
"My dear lady, Time owns his own defeat in you," Mr. Polk assured her, his eyes sufficiently admiring.
"Such pretty speeches as these gentlemen of America make!" was her gay reply. "Is it not so, Mr. Secretary?" She smiled up at Calhoun's serious face.
Polk was possessed of a political nose which rarely failed him. "Mr. Secretary?" he exclaimed, turning to Calhoun.
The latter bowed. "I have just accepted the place lately filled by Mr. Upshur," was his comment.
A slow color rose in the Tennesseean's face as he held out his hand. "I congratulate you, Mr. Secretary," said he. "Now at last we shall see an end of indecision and boasting pretense."
"Excellent things to end, Governor Polk!" said Calhoun gravely.