“That’s about it, though he didn’t intend it that way.”
“And who is to be the senator?”
He gave her a cynical smile. “Warner.”
“But I thought—why, surely he—” The surprise of his cool announcement took her breath away.
“No, he isn’t the man our combination decided on, but the trouble is that our combination is going to fall through. Sam’s an optimist, but you’ll see I’m right. There are too many conflicting elements of us in one boat. We can’t lose three votes and win, and it’s a safe bet we lose them. The Consolidated must know by this time what we have been about all night. They’re busy now sapping at our weak links. Our only chance is to win on the first vote, and I am very sure we won’t be able to do it.”
“Oh, I hope you are not right.” A young woman was standing in the doorway, her arm in a sling. She had come in time to hear his prophesy, and in the disappointment of it had forgotten that he was a stranger.
Virginia remedied this, and they went in to breakfast. Laska was full of interest, and poured out eager questions at Ridgway. It was not for several minutes that Virginia recollected to ask again who was the man they had decided upon.
Her betrothed found some inner source of pleasure that brought out a sardonic smile. “He’s a slap in the face at both Harley and me.”
“I can’t think who—is he honest?”
“As the day.”