“And may I ask why?” she demanded.
He smiled and hesitated.
“If you ever get into Congress—I can see the finish of that aggregation as a deliberative body. You would be a majority from the moment you entered the Chamber—”
“Please, Mr. Vassar—“ she protested. “We have no time for chaff—”
He rose abruptly from the depths of the armchair, seized a light one, moved it nearer to the corner of the table, sat down and bent close to his charming opponent.
“I’m not chaffing,” he began eagerly. “I’m in earnest. Your personality has upset all my preconceived ideas of the leaders of this woman’s movement. I am more than ever alarmed at its sinister significance. You take my judgment by storm because you’re charming. You stop the process of reasoning by merely lifting your eyes to mine. Such a power cannot be used to further the ends of justice or perfect the organization of society. The power you wield defies all law—”
Virginia laughed in spite of an effort at self-control.
“Are you making love to me, Mr. Vassar?” she cried.
He blushed and stammered.
“Well—not—deliberately—”