“The President wants me with him, but I may go to a hotel. It leaves one so much freer.” Peter was a lawyer, and saw no need of committing himself. “If I am there when you are, I can perhaps help you enjoy yourself. I think I can get you a lunch at the White House, and, as I know most of the officials, I have an open sesame to some other nice things.” Poor Peter! He was trying to tempt Leonore to tolerate his company by offering attractions in connection therewith. A chromo with the pound of tea. And this from the man who had thought flowers and bon-bons bribery!
“Why does the President want to see you?”
“To talk politics.”
“About the governorship?”
“Yes. Though we don’t say so.”
“Is it true, Peter, that you can decide who it is to be as the papers say?”
“No, I would give twenty-five thousand dollars to-day if I could name the Democratic nominee.”
“Why?”
“Would you mind my not telling you?”
“Yes. I want to know. And you are to tell me,” said her majesty, calmly.