"Oh, there's bound to be!"
Their eyes met and they laughed lightheartedly.
"I'm going to tell you something," said Dan. "On the reciprocal theory I can't expect anything, but I'm lonesome and have no friends anyhow, so I'll give you a chance to say something withering and edged with a fine scorn."
"Good! I'll promise not to disappoint you."
"I'm going to be put on the legislature ticket to-day—to fill a vacancy. I suppose you'll pray earnestly for my defeat."
"Why should I waste prayers on that? Besides, Allen solemnly declares that the people are to be trusted. It's not for me to set my prayers against the will of the pee-pull."
"If you had a vote," he persisted, "you wouldn't vote for me?"
"I should have to know what you want to go to the legislature for before committing myself. What are you doing it for?"
"To do all the mischief I can, of course; to support all the worst measures that come up; to jump when the boss's whip cracks!"
She refused to meet him on this ground. He saw that any expectation he might have that she would urge him to pledge himself to noble endeavor and high achievements as a state legislator were doomed to disappointment. He was taken aback by the tone of her retort.