“Why don't you tell, then?” she asked. “Is it—oh, Daniel, it isn't bad news, is it?”
“It ain't very good, Serena.”
“You don't mean—why, you said that Annette was elected; you said so last night.”
“Yes—yes, she was elected, Serena; but—”
“But—but I wasn't. Is that what you mean, Daniel?”
“Well now, Serena—”
“I wasn't. Yes, it is true, I can see it in your face. I was defeated. Oh—oh, Daniel!”
Captain Dan put his arm about her.
“There! there! Serena,” he said chokingly, “don't cry, don't. Don't feel too bad about it. Politics is politics, inside Chapters and out, I guess. I'm as much disappointed as you are, for your sake, but—but don't care too much, will you? Don't make yourself sick again. Don't cry no more than you can help.”
Serena raised her head from his shoulder.