His horse was fresh, and so spirited that the neatly-gloved hands of the gentleman were well-exercised in controlling him.
He found time to gaze at the two gentlemen upon the ground, however, but gave no sign of recognition, save possibly a little more lofty elevation of the head.
“The General is off on professional business, judging from his manner and duster,” remarked the elder of the two pedestrians.
“I often find it hard to repress a smile, even in his presence, at his wondrous pomposity. What kind of a business would he do in the North—Ohio, say—with all his airs? He wouldn’t have a client.”
“Oh, yes, he would. There are plenty of people everywhere, who never know what estimate to put upon others till they, or some one else tell them. But the General’s “airs,” as you call them, are his stock in trade here.”
Both men laughed heartily.
“But to think of a man passing his neighbor and State Senator as he did you, Mr. Cone! He should respect your office, at least.”
“Ah! that’s what he does not do when a radical is the incumbent. He was once quite condescending and affable to me, when I let politics and education alone, and didn’t meddle with them at all.”
“Meddle! Senator! Who has a better right than you to take an interest in politics?”