"When you do, Shirley Bloodgood," he was quick to remind her, "it's an even chance that he won't care for you."
Shirley lost no time in retorting:—
"It's a chance I'm going to take! I can love," she went on wistfully, "yes," and then blushing, added very tenderly: "I am laying my soul bare to you, William Murgatroyd, because I believe somehow that you have a right to see it. Again I repeat: Look at Mr. Thorne!—a prospective United States senator!"
"You admire him?"
"He succeeds."
"Do you know why it may be possible for him to get the nomination for senator? Have you any idea, young woman, what it costs in this State to be chosen senator?"
"Does it cost anything?" was her naïve rejoinder.
"Just about three-quarters of a million to swing the thing! Thorne has money and backing and——"
"And you have neither," she finished for him.
"Precisely."