“I hope so,” Helen sighed. “It’s a relief that it’s over—such a relief.”
“And of course,” Farley went on, “Mr. Briggs will change his mind about going out of politics.”
“Do you think so?” Helen betrayed surprise in her tone.
“We need men like him in Washington.”
Helen did not speak. She held her head down.
“Mrs. Briggs!”
Helen kept her face hidden.
“I hope you’ll pardon me if I speak of something—something that is—well, that concerns you very closely. I do it only because I believe in Mr. Briggs, and because I care for his future and for his happiness, and for yours, if you’ll let me say so.”
“Thank you, Mr. Farley,” said Helen, softly. “You’ve been very good to Douglas. He has often spoken of all you’ve done.”
“Oh, that’s nothing. But—he has told me all about that man West.”