“And if we can give you some tenement-house legislation?”
“I shall tell my ward that you have done them a great service.” Peter spoke in the same tone of voice, and still looked Mr. Costell in the face.
“And if we don’t do either?”
“What I shall do then will depend on whether you refuse for a good reason or for none. In either case I shall tell them the facts.”
“This is damned——” began one of the dinner-party, but the lifting of Mr. Costell’s hand stopped the speech there.
“Mr. Stirling,” said Mr. Costell, rising as he spoke, “I hope when you come to think it over, that you will vote with us for Catlin. But whether you do or not, we want you to work with us. We can help you, and you can help us. When you are ready to begin on your bills, come and see me.”
“Thank you,” said Peter. “That is just what I want.” He said good-night to the company, and left the house.
“That fellow is going to be troublesome,” said Green.
“There’s no good trying to get anything out of him. Better split with him at once,” said the guest who had used the expletive.
“He can’t have any very big hold,” said a third. “It’s only that trial which has given him a temporary popularity.”