"Not agin the Governor, I hope?"
"No such animal is dreamt of in my philosophy!" quoth she.
II
The months that followed that midnight walk were difficult ones. Trent had his law business to attend to, and endless demands were made upon his time and strength by political banquets and speechmaking. Bob felt as if she were primitive woman, tending the pot in the tent, waiting for her brave to rush in with news of war. Then she laughed at her own thoughts. A modern New York hotel was a poor substitute for a tent. She was not even of use as pot-tender, the chêf had succeeded to that profession.
Paul fell into the habit of coming for short breathing spells between appointments. He reported every move to her and they talked each one over. Her counsel was often sure and wise. Barbara felt that he respected her intuitions, if not her judgment.
"May I come in?" he asked one day at her door. "I have half an hour before I'm due in court, and I thought you might let me have a bite of lunch here with you, in peace and quiet."
She crossed to the telephone and ordered the luncheon sent up at once.
"You look very tired, Paul. Lie down there and be quiet until the lunch comes."
He went to her couch and obeyed. His eyes closed.
"Talk to me."