“A great deal of it was true, but I assure you that Harrington is very enthusiastic. Much of it was extremely imaginative.”
“I dare say; all that about making a Civil Service, I suppose?”
“Well, not exactly. I think all good Republicans hope to have a regular Civil Service some day. It is necessary, or will be so before long.”
“But then it is what he said about that ridiculous Navigation Act that you object to?” pursued Joe, without mercy.
“Really, I think it would be an advantage to repeal it. It is only kept up for the sake of a few builders who have influence.”
“Ah, I see,” exclaimed Joe triumphantly, “you think the hope he expressed that bribery and that sort of thing might be suppressed was altogether imaginary?”
“I hope not, Miss Thorn. But I am sure there is not nearly so much of it as he made out. It was a very great exaggeration.”
“Was there? Really, he only used the word once in the most general way. I remember very well, at the end; he said, ’when bribery, corruption, and all extortion are crushed forever;’ anybody might say that!”
“You make out a wonderfully good case, Miss Thorn,” said Vancouver, who was not altogether pleased; “was the speech printed before Harrington spoke it this evening?”
“No!” exclaimed Joe. “I have a very good memory, in that way, just to remember what I hear. I could repeat word for word everything he said, and everything you have said since during the evening.”