“How could you tell that they were-taking?”
“They were copied into other papers, and people talked about them.”
“And that was what made Mr. Stoller want you to be his secretary?”
“I don't believe it was. The theory in the office was that he didn't think much of them; but he knows I can write shorthand, and put things into shape.”
“What things?”
“Oh—ideas. He has a notion of trying to come forward in politics. He owns shares in everything but the United States Senate—gas, electricity, railroads, aldermen, newspapers—and now he would like some Senate. That's what I think.”
She did not quite understand, and she was far from knowing that this cynic humor expressed a deadlier pessimism than her father's fiercest accusals of the country. “How fascinating it is!” she said, innocently.
“And I suppose they all envy your coming out?”
“In the office?”
“Yes. I should envy, them—staying.”