“Hardly any of them can. Only those close up.”
“Well then, to show their support of the party, I guess.”
“That’s what I thought. It’s a custom or rite or something like that. A stupid amusement.”
“But cheap,” I said. “And those who vote for Populists usually havent much money.”
“Maybe that’s why,” she answered. “If they found more useful things to do they’d earn money; then they wouldnt vote for Populists.”
“A virtuous circle. If everyone voted Whig we’d all be rich as Whigs.”
She shrugged her shoulders, a gesture I found pleasing. “It’s easy enough to be envious of those who are better off; it’s a lot harder to become better off yourself.”
“I can’t argue with you on that, Miss ... um ...?”
“Why Mister Populist, do ladies always tell you their names when you step on their feet?”
“I’m not usually lucky enough to find feet to step on that have lovely ladies attached,” I answered boldly. “I won’t deny Populist leanings, but my name is really Hodge Backmaker.”