THE HERO MEETS AND ADMIRES A MONA LISA SMILE. HE IS TENDERED AN APOLOGY FOR A PAST DISCOURTESY
Part 1
Came James Farnum down Powers Avenue carrying with buoyant dignity the manner of greatness that sat so well on him. His smile was warm for a world that just now was treating him handsomely. There could be no doubt that for a first term he was making an extraordinary success of his work in the legislature. He had worked hard on committees and his speeches had made a tremendous hit. Jeff had played him up strong in the world too, so that he was becoming well known over the state. That he had risen to leadership of the progressives in the House during his first term showed his quality. His ambition vaulted. Now that his feet were on the first rungs of the ladder it would be his own fault if he did not reach the top.
His progress down the busy street was in the nature of an ovation. Everywhere he met answering smiles that told of the people's pride in their young champion. Already James had discovered that Americans are eager for hero worship. He meant to be the hero of his state, the favorite son it would delight to honor. This was what he loved: the cheers for the victor, not the clash of the battle.
“Good morning, Farnum. What are the prospects?” It was Clinton Rogers, of the big shipbuilding firm Harvey & Rogers, that stopped him now.
“Still anybody's fight, Mr. Rogers.” The young lawyer's voice fell a note to take on a frankly confidential tone, an accent of friendliness that missed the fatal buttonholing familiarity of the professional politician. “If we can hold our fellows together we'll win. But the Transcontinental is bidding high for votes—and there's always a quitter somewhere.”
“Does Frome stand any chance?”
“It will be Hardy or Frome. The least break in our ranks will be the signal for a stampede to P. C. The Republicans will support him when they get the signal. It's all a question of our fellows standing pat.”
“From what I can learn it won't be your fault if Hardy isn't elected. I congratulate you on the best record ever made by a member in his first term.”
“Oh, we all do our best,” James answered lightly. “But I'm grateful for your good opinion. I hope I deserve it.”