After the dissolving of the joint caucus he escorted Madeleine to the council-chamber, where the new Governor was holding his impromptu reception. There were no shadows on the faces which pressed closely around him. All the politicians of the State were there, eager to be the first to congratulate him. Their fears had been somewhat allayed. In political circles it was well understood that Waymouth stood for a clean-up. It had been hinted that his programme would be drastic. The members of the machine, more intimately in the secrets of the convention, had expected that the old Roman would sound the first blast of the charge in his inaugural address. His moderateness cheered them. Harlan found congratulation sweetening every comment.
The General received the young couple with marked graciousness.
"Governor Waymouth, you have convinced me to-day that you are the apostle of universal salvation for the wicked—in politics," said the girl. "I hope the doctrine will be accepted."
"In that belief you are safe companion for my first disciple," he returned, humoring her jest. The crowd carried them on.
"I believe that, too," Harlan murmured.
"Universal salvation according to the new political creed?"
"I'm not thinking about politics. I'm not thinking much about anything else just now except you. During the Governor's address it came over me suddenly what wise counsel you gave me. If I had you for an adviser all the rest of my life I could amount to more in the world than I ever can without you."
She glanced at him sharply.
"I mean that," he insisted. "Will you be my adviser for the rest of my life?"
It was crude, blunt, and sudden proposal. The throngs were eddying about them. They were jostled at the moment by the Toms, Dicks, and Harrys of the legislative concourse. Curious eyes surveyed them. Ears were near by.