To these observations Morlene made no reply. Too well did she know that the human being before her, was somehow, no stranger to her.
"Starting out with the assumption that you shall find nothing strange in me when you fully understand me, I am ready to show you the pathway of the storm," continued Dorlan.
"Thank you," said Morlene, smiling, and partially revealing a set of teeth as beautiful as fair lady ever desired.
"A presidential election is fast approaching. I have heretofore labored with the Republican party. In this campaign I part company with them," said Dorlan.
"My dear sir," said Morlene, rising, the picture of excitement, "Are you a Democrat?"
Dorlan smiled at the intensity of the feeling displayed in the tone of voice used for the question. "Oh, no," said he, reassuringly. "In the South, Democracy's chief tenets are white man's supremacy and exclusiveness in governmental affairs. Not having a white skin, self-preservation would prevent me from entering the folds of that party."
Morlene heaved a sigh of relief. She said, "I am glad to know that the seeming hopelessness of our plight in the South has not caused you to seek to influence us to surrender to this dictum of Southern Democracy. Proceed, if you please."
"I am thoroughly displeased with the policy of the Republican party toward the inhabitants of the Philippine Islands, and in spite of the endearing relations of the past, I am moved to part company with the party on this issue," remarked Dorlan.
"Oh, I am an enthusiastic expansionist, Mr.——."
"Warthell is my name," supplied Dorlan.