EX-PRES. Oh, I find him—quite—what I expected him to be. I think he means well.
TUMULTY. A new President always does.
EX-PRES. (slowly pondering his words). Yes … that's true … "means well."
TUMULTY (tactfully providing diversion). The big crowd outside was very friendly, I thought.
EX-PRES. Yes … couldn't have been friendlier….It let me alone.
TUMULTY. Well, of course, they'd come mainly to see the new President.
EX-PRES. Of course. So had I. Yes, I believe Harding's a good man. He was very kind, very considerate. I feel grateful.
TUMULTY (with rich emotion). That's how a good many of us are feeling to you, Governor: to-day very specially. It's what I've come back to say.
EX-PRES. That's very good of you. We've had—differences of opinion; but you've always been loyal.
TUMULTY. I think, President—Forgive me; the word slipped out.