The change of the relationship between Ridgway and his betrothed, brought about by the advent of a third person into his life, showed itself in the manner of their greeting.She had always been chary of lovers' demonstrations, but until his return from Alpine he had been wont to exact his privilege in spite of her reluctance.Now he was content with the hand she offered him.
"You've had a strenuous night of it," he said, after a glance at the rather wan face she offered the new day.
"Yes, we have--and for that matter, I suppose you have, too."Man of iron that he was, he looked fresh as morning dew.With his usual lack of self-consciousness, he had appropriated Leigh's private bath, and was glowing from contact with ice-cold water and a crash towel.
"We've been making history," he agreed."How's your friend?""She has no fever at all.It was only a scratch.She will be down to breakfast in a minute.""Good.She must be a thoroughbred to come running down into the bullets for a stranger she has never seen.""She is.You'll like Laska."
"I'm glad she saved Sam from being made a colander.I can't help liking him, though he doesn't approve of me very much.""I suppose not."
"He is friendly, too." Ridgway laughed as he recalled their battle over who should be the nominee."But his conscience rules him.It's a free and liberal conscience, generally speaking--nothing Puritan about it, but a distinctive product of the West.Yet, he would not have me for senator at any price.""Why?"
"Didn't think I was fit to represent the people; said if I went in, it would be to use the office for my personal profit.""Wasn't he right?"
"More or less.If I were elected, I would build up my machine, of course, but I would see the people got a show, too."She nodded agreement."I don't think you would make a bad senator." "I would be a live wire, anyhow.Sam had other objections to me.Hethought I had been using too much money in this campaign.""And have you?" she asked, curious to see how he would defend himself."Yes.I had to if I were going to stand any chance.It wasn't from choice.I didn't really want to be senator.I can't afford to give the time to it, but I couldn't afford to let Harley name the man either.I was between the devil and the deep sea." "Then, really, Mr.Yesler came to your rescue.""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.""0h, 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.""And capable?"
"Oh, yes.He's competent enough." "Presentable?""Yes.He'll do the State credit, or rather he would if he were going to be elected.""Then I give it up."
He was leaning forward to tell, when the sharp buzz of the electric door-bell, continued and sustained, diverted the attention of all of them.
Ridgway put down his napkin."Probably some one to see me."He had risen to his feet when the maid opened the door of the dining- room.
