"Between five and six I expect a call on the phone from Senator Henderson."
"Senator Henderson!" exclaimed the women in unison.
"I shall say but a single word. It will be yes."
"But the secret! Mercy alive, you are keeping us waiting!"
Warrington glanced around with mock caution. He went mysteriously to the portieres and peered into the hall; he repeated this performance at the dining-room door, then turned, a finger upon his lips.
"Senator Henderson is looking for a candidate for mayor this fall. Mind, not a word to a soul, not even to John," this warning addressed principally to Mrs. Jack.
"The Honorable Richard Warrington," said Patty, musing. She rolled the words on her tongue as if testing the sound of them.
"That's it," laughed Warrington. "The Honorable Richard Warrington!—sounds like Lord Mayor of London!"
Every Eden has its serpent, sooner or later. Thus, having futilely tried the usual gates by which he enters Eden to destroy it, this particular serpent found a breach in the gate of politics.