"It is a business age," murmured Mrs. Stanton, "and collections cannot be looked after too sharply."
"Will you not permit me to go in debt to you, madam?" he asked. "I'll be truly obligated if you'll allow me to put my name on your card."
"As a banker's daughter, I'll say that the references that have been submitted by Miss Corson in regard to your standing are excellent," said Mrs. Stanton, with a significance meant for Lana's confusion. But while she was detaching the tassel from her girdle Governor North interrupted. He was standing on the stairs, just below the little group.
"Excuse me for breaking in on the party, but I'm due at the State House. I'll bother you only a second, Morrison. Then you won't have a thing to do except be nice to the ladies."
"I know I'll be excused by them for a few moments, Governor." He started to descend. His Excellency put up his hand.
"We can attend to it right here, Mister Mayor!"
"But I have a word or two—"
"That's all I have!" was the blunt retort. "And I'm in a hurry. Have you got 'em smoothed down, according to our understanding?"
"I have, I think! But whether they'll stay smooth depends on you, Governor
North!"
"And I can be depended on! I told you so at the office." He turned away.