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He addressed one or two by name, and was gracious in his greeting of the others. "We wait on you," began their spokesman, one of the ministers, "as a committee from the United Temperance Societies." "My time is not my own just now, gentlemen," explained General Waymouth. "I have a luncheon engagement with Mr. and Mrs. Presson. I will see you at some other time."
He had discovered a new Waymouth all of a sudden. He wanted to get acquainted with him. He wished to find out whether he would be really as dangerous as his astonishing threats indicated. The persistent man at the door was now clamorous. The Duke strode that way and flung it open. Whoever it might be, the interruption would give him time to think, to plan, to investigate.
The buzz of the crowded hive came out to them through the open windows. General Waymouth glanced that way and frowned. But when he turned and looked into the glowing face of the young man opposite, his countenance cleared slowly. His smile returned. There was a hint of pathos in that smile, but his eyes shone. He put out his hand and took Harlan's in a firm clasp.
He wanted to show Luke Presson's daughter that Harlan Thornton could play the game of practical politics as well as Herbert Linton, and in the end would be more deserving of her respect. Gen. Varden Waymouth was elected Governor.
I'm afraid I'm so small I can only see one side of it." "You admit there are two sides?" "My grandfather and your father have impressed that on me pretty strongly." "Isn't there any good in the other side? Do you mean to tell me that all the men in politics in this State are wrong except you and old General Waymouth?" "No, but it's the way of doing things. I guess it's that."
He was so big and manly, and he had rapidly become so self-poised, that they did not realize that in experience he was only a boy, with the ingenuous faith and simple aims and candor of boyhood. He perceived what he might win. But the pride of serving General Waymouth loyally was worth more to him than anything they could offer. His duties took him often to the State capital.
It was his theory that in politics voters never arose and demanded reforms until some disturber shook them up and reminded them that reforms were needed. General Waymouth did not take the stump. His age forbade. He remained away from headquarters. But Harlan Thornton was posted there, his vigilant representative and executive.
That's the only pledge I'll give. I'm afraid I haven't any promise for the old machine, Thelismer." He smiled. "We don't need any," returned the Duke, briskly. "We know Vard Waymouth. But there's one pledge I do want from you. This whole thing is to be left in my hands so far as announcement goes. My plan of campaign makes that much necessary.
"How do you like the sound of that, grandfather?" he flung over his shoulder. "There's no politics in that, you young fool. A hoorah isn't a nomination." But he could not hide from himself the plain fact that Varden Waymouth was a tremendously strong figure in State affairs. There was sincerity behind that outburst. Eyes glistened. Faces glowed with admiration and respect.
I'm responsible." "I think I'm the one that is responsible at this stage," insisted General Waymouth. "I'll talk to you, Mr. Everett, if you please. You addressed me. Any Republican in this State is entitled to seek nomination as Governor. It is a worthy and proper ambition. It is an honor that belongs to the people. It isn't a heritage to be passed on from one bunch of politicians to another.
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