“In the study, sir.”
“All right. I’ll go in.”
“Give my love to that nice Mr. Farley,” Fanny called after him.
As Briggs entered the room Farley rose with the boyish embarrassment of manner that years of newspaper work had not changed. He introduced his friends. De Witt, a tall, slim young man, with a sweeping brown mustache and a long, well-cut face, took his host’s hand smilingly. Saunders, shorter, smooth-faced and keen-eyed, glanced at Briggs with a look not altogether free from suspicion. In Saunders Briggs recognized a type of political reformer that always made him nervous.
“De Witt and Saunders are of the Citizens’ Club,” Farley explained. “In fact, we’re all of the Citizens’ Club,” he added, with the air of making a joke.
“I’m very glad to see you, gentlemen. Won’t you sit down? I caught a glimpse of you at the reporters’ table at the caucus the other night, Farley.”
“Hot time, wasn’t it?”
Briggs took from the table a box of cigars, which he offered to his callers. De Witt and Saunders shook their heads and mumbled thanks. Farley took a cigar and smoked with his host.
“Well, Congressman,” said Farley, “we haven’t come merely to take up your time.”
Briggs smiled and nodded.