“Thanks, again,” said Vancouver.
“Do let me get you something more, Miss Thorn,” suggested Mr. Biggielow. “No? There is any amount of pâtés. You always like”–
“Of course you have heard about Harrington?” said Vancouver in a low voice close to Josephine’s ear.
“No, really,” she answered. “Will you take my plate? And the glass– thanks.” Mr. Bonamy Biggielow was obliged to retire. “You mean about the senatorship?” asked Joe.
“Yes. The senator died this morning. Harrington will make a fight for it. He has many friends.”
“Among whom you count yourself, doubtless,” remarked Joe.
“Not politically, of course. I take no active part”–
“Yes, I know.” Joe knew the remainder of the sentence by heart. “Then you will have a glorious opportunity for maintaining an armed neutrality.”
“Oh, if it comes to that,” said Vancouver mildly, “I would rather see Harrington senator than some of our own men. At all events, he is honest.”
“At all events!” Joe repeated. “You think, perhaps, that some man of your own party may be elected who will not turn out to be honest?”