She laughed softly, then her mood changed. “Jacob,� she said, quite seriously, “you are sure that you’ll renominate Governor Aylett?�
“My dear Di, I am sure of nothing in this world but death,� he retorted dryly, “but I’ll be—�
“Cut it out, Jacob,� she cautioned, her eyes twinkling.
“I won’t have Yarnall!� he finished lamely.
She nodded. “I understand, but what is this about the backwoodsmen being organized?�
“Your friend, the shyster,� he mocked, “he has that line of politics; he speaks well on top of a barrel. I suppose he can empty one, too.�
“Not as easily as you could, Jacob,� she retorted ruthlessly.
He raised his eyebrows. “I’ve been in love with you these many years, and thus do you trample on my feelings!�
“I wish you had feelings,� said Diana calmly; “you have mechanism.�
“Upon my word!� he cried; “this is the last straw.�