"Why? What is it?"
Braine arouses himself, and speaks interestedly:
"This land grant bill! Gladys has been trying to run things, it seems, and has made a botch of it. She has gone too headlong, and compromised herself to such an extent with the committee chief, that when she was prepared for a coup de grace, the congressman turned the tables. It is a bad thing for Grayson. The man has her in his power, and swears that unless Grayson will actively uphold the counter-policy, he will make it uncomfortable for his wife. Grayson has just been telling me all about it, and is almost helpless in the matter. Something must be done."
Helen is on her feet. Her eyes are wide with astonishment, and something like horror. She stammers:
"What—what—what?"
Her tone startles Braine. He looks around:
"Why Helen! What is the matter, child, I didn't imagine it would startle you so. Of course you feel anxiety for Gladys—friends as you are—but she is a clever woman, and I have no doubt she will get out of it in some way."
He speaks reassuringly. She comes to his side. She says hoarsely, with excitement expressed in every movement;
"Has—has—has Gladys been working through Mr. Dalzel for this scheme?"
Her fingers twist nervously. Braine cannot understand her. He looks at her in bewilderment: