“No, I do not. Not personally, that is. What sort of a man is he?”
“Well, sir, he does not stand very well,” answered Dr. Cary, deliberately.
“Ah! Why, if I may ask?” Major Welch was stiffening a little.
“Well, he went off to the radicals,” said Dr. Cary, slowly, and Ruth was amused at the look on her father’s face.
“But surely a man may be a republican and not be utterly bad?” said Major Welch.
“Yes, I suppose so, elsewhere,” admitted the other, doubtfully. “In fact, I have known one or two gentlemen who were—who thought it best to accept everything, and begin anew—I did myself at first. But I soon found it impossible. It does not prove efficacious down here. You see—But, perhaps, you are one yourself, sir?” very politely.
“I am,” said Major Welch, and Ruth could see him stiffen.
“Ah!” Their host leaned a little back. “Well, I beg your pardon. Perhaps, we will not discuss politics,” he said, with great courtesy. “We should only disagree and—you are my guest.”
“But surely we can talk politics without becoming—ah—We have been discussing the war?” said Major Welch.