The lawyer’s humour was profoundly tickled. The follies of the weak and foolish were a source of infinite amusement to him. It was he who had urged the Teniote to the coming ambitious contest, not that he in the least contemplated success, but he understood that with a wiser man to lead, his part would be a much less exciting one.
“We are the Parnellistoi of Greece, Constantine,” he said, with an air of ponderous assertion. “We may be beaten, but our hour of triumph is only retarded.”
He conscientiously consulted his watch, and then added, as an afterthought:
“You will need a larger house, Constantine.”
“I have thought of that, and have been inquiring about the expenses of building. I have a spot in view near the new Hospital. It will be a heavy item added to my election expenses, but my brother Pericles will come to my assistance, I make no doubt.”
“Why does he not come here himself, and establish his family? The man is insane to bury himself in Tenos.”
“With as handsome a daughter as ever the eyes of man fell upon,” interrupted the doctor, angrily.
“My faith! you must bring him to Athens. A handsome niece well dowered will be a feather in your cap. Play her off against Oïdas, and you’ll have the men on your side.”
“Pouf! Use a woman in politics! But if Pericles will let me look out for a son-in-law for him, something might be done in that way.”
“Why not? There are Mingros and Palle, both rich men. With either of them for a nephew you might aspire to be prime minister.”