 CHAPTER IX Josephine Thorne never read newspapers, partly because she did not care for the style of literature known as journalistic, and partly too because the papers always came at such exceedingly inconvenient hours. If she had possessed and practiced the estimable habit of keeping up with the times, she would have observed an article which appeared on the morning after the skating-party, and which dealt with the speech John Harrington had made in the music-hall two days previous. Mission Actity had read it, but she did not mention it to Joe, because she believed in John Harrington and wished Joe to do likewise, wherefore she avoided the subject, for the article treated him roughly. Nevertheless, some unknown person sent Joe a copy of the paper through the Post some days later, with a bright red pencil-mark at the place, and Joe seeing what the subject was reading it with avidity. As she read, her cheeks flushed, her small mouth closed like a vice, and she stamped her little foot upon the floor. It was evident that the writer was greatly incensed at the views expressed by John, and he wrote with an ease and a virulence which proclaimed a practiced hand. The spectacle of an accomplished Democrat, said the paper, is always sufficiently unusual to attract attention, but to find so rare a bird among ourselves is indeed a novel delight. The orator, who alternately enthralled and insulted a considerable audience at the music-hall two nights ago, laid a decided claim both to accomplishment and to democracy. He himself informed his hearers that he was a Democrat, and indeed it was necessary that he should state his position, for it would have been impossible to decide from the tone and quality of his opinions whether he were a socialist, a reformer, a conservative, or an Irishman. Perchance he has discovered the talisman by which it is possible for a man to be all four, and yet to be a man. Furthermore, he claims to be an orator. No one could listen to the manifold intonations of his voice or witness the declamatory evolutions of his body without feeling an inward conviction that the gentleman on the platform intended to present himself to us as an orator. Lest we be accused of partiality and prejudice, we will at one state that we believe it possible for a man to be singular in his manner and quaint in his mode of phrasing, and yet to utter an opinion in some one direction, which, if neither novel nor interesting nor even tenable, shall yet have the one redeeming merit of representing a conceivable point of view. But when a man begins by stating that he belongs to the Democrats, and then claims as his own the views of his political opponents, winding up by demanding the sympathy and support of a third party, the obvious conclusion is that he is either a lunatic, a charlatan, or both. A man cannot serve God and Mammon, neither can any man serve both the Irish and the Chinese. Mr. John Harrington has made a great discovery. He has discovered that we require a civil service. This is apparently the ground on which he states himself to be a Democrat. If we remember rightly, the Civil Service Convention, which sat in discussion of the subject in the summer of 1881, was presided over by a prominent member of the Republican Party. As some time has elapsed since then, and the gentlemen connected with the movement are as active and as much interested in it as ever, our orator will pardon us for questioning his right of discovery on the one hand, and has claimed to be considered a Democrat on the strength of it on the other. A civil service is doubtless a good thing, even a very good thing, and in due time we shall certainly have it. But that the Constitution of the United States is on the verge of dissolution at the hands of our corrupt public officers, that our finance is only another name for imminent bankruptcy, or that the new millennium of Washington morals will be organized by Mr. John Harrington. These things we deny in total from beginning to end. So wide and deep is our skepticism that we even doubt whether war, famine, revolution or all three together would have instantly ensued if Mr. John Harrington had not delivered his speech on Wednesday evening. In illustration, or rather in futile attempt to illustrate, Mr. Harrington put forth a series of simileses that should make any dead orator turn in his grave. The nation was successively held up to our admiration in the guise of a sick man, a cripple, a banker, a theatrical company, and a peddler of tape and buttons. We were bankrupt, deceased, and our bones, like those of the psalmist, were all out of joint, and if our hearts did not become like melting wax in the midst of our bodies, it was not the fault of Mr. John Harrington, but rather was it due to the hardening of those organs against the voice of the charmer. The Navigation Act called down the choicest of the orator's vessels of wrath. Fools had made it, worse than fools submitted to it, and the reason why the Salem docks were no longer crowded with the shipping of the Peabody family was that there were ferryboats in Boston Harbor, a train of reasoning that must be clear to the mind of the nearest schoolboy. Mr. Harrington further stated that these same ferryboats, not to mention certain articles he termed smudscows, with which we have no acquaintance, are built of old timber, copper and nails, obtained by breaking tip the fleets of the Peabody family, which is manifestly afraud on the nation. And as far as the ferryboats are concerned, we believe we are in a position to state that they are not built of old material. As regards the aforesaid smudscows, we can give no opinion, not having before heard of the article, which we presume is not common in commerce, and may therefore be regarded as an exception to the universal rule that things in general should not be made of old timber, copper and rusty nails. We will not weary our readers with any further attempt at unraveling the opinions, illustrations and rhetoric of Mr. John Harrington, Democrat and orator. The possession of an abundant vocabulary without any special use for it in the shape of an idea will not revolutionize modern government, whatever may be the opinion of the individual so richly gifted. Nor will any accomplished Democrat find a true key to success in following a course of politics which consists in one half of the world trying to drive paradoxes down the throat of the other half. It will not do, and Mr. Harrington will find it out. He will find out also that the difference which exists between the Republican and the Democratic parties are far deeper and wider than he suspects, and do not consist in such things as the existence or non-existence of a civil service, free trade or smudscows. And when these things are forever crushed out of his imagination, it will be time enough to give him a name, seeing he is neither Republican nor Democrat, nor Tammany nor even a stalwart nor a three-hundred and sixer, seeing, in fact, that he is not an astronomical point in any political heaven with which the world is acquainted, but only the most nebulous of nebulae which have yet come within our observation. Joe read the article rapidly and then read the last paragraph again and threw the paper aside. She sat by the fire after breakfast, and Missionectity had come into the room several times and had gone out again, busied with much housekeeping, for Missionectity belonged to the elder school of Boston women, who see to things themselves in the intervals of literature, gossip, and transcendental philosophy. But Joe sat still for nearly half an hour after she had done reading, and nursed her wrath while she toasted her little feet at the fire. At last she made up her mind and rose. "'I am going to see Sibyl, Aunt Zo,' she said, meeting the old lady at the door. "'Well, if she is up at this time of day,' answered Missionectity. "'Oh, I fancy so,' said Joe. Mrs. Sam Winham's establishment was of the modern kind, and nobody was expected to attend an early breakfast of fish, beef steaks, buckwheat cakes, hot rolls, tea, coffee, and chocolate at eight o'clock in the morning. Visitors did as they pleased, and so did Mrs. Sam, and they met at luncheon, a meal which Sam Winham himself was, of course, unable to attend. Joe knew this, and knew she was certain to find Sibyl alone. It was Sibyl she wanted to see, and not Mrs. Winham. But as she walked down Beacon Street, the aspect of affairs changed in her mind. Joe had not exaggerated, when she said to Vancouver, that she had a very good memory, and it would have been better for him if he had remembered the fact. Joe had not forgotten the conversation with him in the evening after Harrington's speech, and in reading the article that had been sent to her, she instantly recognized a phrase word for word as Vancouver had uttered it. In speaking to her he had said that politics consisted in one half of the world trying to drive paradoxes down the throats of the other half. It was true that in the article John Harrington was warned that he would discover the fallacy of this proposition, but in Joe's judgment this did not constitute an objection. Vancouver had written the article, and none other. Vancouver, who professed a boundless respect for John, and who constantly asserted that he took no active part whatever in politics. It was inconceivable that the coincidence of language should be an accident. Vancouver had made the phrase when making conversation, and had used it in his article. Joe was absolutely certain of that, and being full of her discovery and of wrath, she was determined to consult with her dearest friend as to the best way of avenging the offense on its author. But as she walked down Beacon Street she reflected on the situation. She was sure Sybil would not understand why she cared so much, and Sybil would form hasty ideas as to the interests Joe took in Harrington. That would never do. It would be better to speak to Mrs. Sam Winnum, who was herself so fond of John that she would seize with avidity on the information from whatever source it came. But then Mrs. Winnum was fond of Vancouver also. No, she was not. When Joe thought of it she was sure that though Vancouver was devoted to Mrs. Sam, Mrs. Sam did not care for him, accepting as an agreeable person of even temper who was useful in society. But for Harrington she had a real friendship. If it came to the doing of a service Mrs. Winnum would do it. Those perceptions were wonderfully clear and just. But when she reached the house she was still uncertain, and she passed on, intending to turn back and go in as soon as she had made up her mind. In spite of all that she could argue to herself it seemed unsafe, unwise at least. Sybil might laugh at her, after all. Mrs. Winnum might possibly tell Vancouver instead of telling John. It would be better to tell John herself. She remembered having once spoken to him about Vancouver, and she could easily remind him of that conversation. She would probably see him that evening at a party she was going to. And yet it was so hard to have to keep it all to herself for so many hours instead of telling. Nevertheless she would go and see Sybil, taking care of course to say nothing about the article. At the time Joe was walking up and down Beacon Street in the effort to come to a decision John Harrington found himself face to face with a very much more formidable problem. He stood before the fireplace in his rooms in Charles Street with an extinguished cigar between his teeth, his face paler than usual, and a look of uncertainty on his features that was oddly out of keeping with his usual mood. He wore an ancient shooting coat, and his feet were thrust into a pair of dingy leather slippers. His hands were in his pockets, and he was staring vacantly at the clock. On the oak writing-table that filled the middle of the room lay an open telegram. It was dated from Washington, and conveyed the simple information that Senator Caleb Jenkins had died at five o'clock that morning. It was signed by an abbreviation that meant nothing except to John himself. The name of the senator was itself fictitious, and stood for another which John knew. The table was covered with government reports, for when the message came John was busy studying a financial point of importance to him. The telegram had lain on the table for half an hour, and John still stood before the fireplace, staring at the clock. The senator had not been expected to live. In fact, it was remarkable that he should have lived so long. But when a man has been preparing for a struggle during many months, he is apt to feel that the actual moment of the battle is indefinitely far off. But now the senator was dead, and John meant to stand in his place. The battle was begun. No one who has not seen some of the inside workings of political life can have any idea of what a man feels who is about to stand as a candidate in an election for the first time in his life. For months, perhaps for years, he has been engaged with political matters. His opinions have been formed by himself or by others into a very definite shape. It may be that, like Harrington, he has frequently spoken to large audiences with more or less success. He may have written pamphlets and volumes upon questions of the day, and his writings may have roused the fiercest criticism and the most loyal support. All this he may have done, and done it well. But when the actual moment arrives for him to stand up upon his feet and address his constituents, no longer for the purpose of making them believe in his opinions, but in order to make them believe in himself, he is more than mortal if he does not feel something very unpleasantly resembling fear. It is one thing to express the truth. It is another to set oneself upon a pedestal and declare that one represents it, and is, in one's own person, the living truth itself. John was too honest and true a man not to feel a positive reluctance to singing his own praises, and yet that is what most electioneering consists in. But to be elected a senator in Massachusetts is a complicated affair. A man who intends to succeed in such an enterprise must not let the grass grow under his feet. In a few hours the whole machinery of election must be at work, and before night he would have to receive all sorts and conditions of men and electioneering agents. The morning papers did not contain any notice of the senator's death, as they had already gone to press when the news reached them, if indeed it was as yet public property. But other papers appeared at midday, and by that time the circumstances would undoubtedly be known. John struck a match and relit his cigar. The moment of hesitation was over. The last breathing space before the fight and all his activity returned. An hour later he went out with a number of written telegrams in his hand, and proceeded to the central telegraph office. The case was urgent. In the first place the governor of the state would, according to law and custom, immediately appoint a senator pro tempore to act until the legislature should elect the new senator in place of the one deceased. Secondly, the legislature, which meets once a year, was already in session, and the election would therefore take place immediately, unless some unusual delay were created, and this was improbable. In spite of the article which had so outraged Josephine Thorne's sense of justice, there were many who believed in John Harrington as the prophet of the new faith, as the senator of reform and the orator of the future, and his friends were numerous and powerful, both in the electing body and among the non-official mass of prominent persons who make up the aggregate of public opinion. It had long been known that John Harrington would be brought forward at the next vacancy, which in the ordinary course of things would have occurred in about a year's time at the expiration of the senior senator's term of office, but which had now been suddenly caused by the death of his colleague. John was therefore aware that his success must depend almost immediately upon the present existing opinion of him that prevailed, and as he made his way through the crowded streets to the telegraph office, he realized that no effort of his own would be likely to make a change in that opinion at such short notice. At first it had seemed to him, as though he were on a sudden, broad face to face with the body of men whom he must persuade to elect him as their representative. And in spite of his great familiarity with political proceedings, the idea was extremely disagreeable to him, but on more mature reflection it was clear to him that he was in the hands of his friends, that he had said his say and had done all he would now be able to do in the way of public speaking or public writing, and that his only possible sphere of present action lay in exerting such personal influence as he possessed. When Harrington was ambitious, or to speak more accurately, he was wholly ruled by a dominant aspiration. He was convinced by his own study and observation, as well as by a considerable amount of personal experience, that great reforms were becoming necessary in the government of the country, and he was equally sure that a man was needed who should be willing to make any sacrifice for the sake of creating a party to inaugurate such changes. In his opinion, the surest step towards obtaining influence in the affairs of the country was a seat in the Senate, and with an unhesitating belief in the truth and honesty of the principles he desired to make known, he devoted every energy he possessed to the attainment of his object. To him, government seemed the most important function of society, the largest, the broadest, and the noblest. To help, if possible, to be a leader in the establishment of what was good for the country, and to be the very foremost in destroying that which was bad, were, in his view, the best objects and aims for a strong man to follow, and John Harrington knew himself to be strong, and believed himself to be right, and thus armed he was prepared for any struggle. The quality of vanity exists in all men, not least in those whose chief profession is modesty, and seeing that it is a universal element created and inherent in every one. It is impossible to say it is bad in itself, for it is impossible to conceive any human creature without it. A recent philosopher of reputation has taught that by vanity, by the desire to appear attractive to the other sex, man has changed his own person from the form of a beast to the image of God. Vanity is a mighty power and incentive, as great as hunger and thirst, and much more generally active in the affairs of civilized humanity. And yet its very name means hollowness. The hollowness of hollowness, all things are hollowness, said the preacher, and his translators have put the word vanity in his mouth because it means the same thing. Not in itself, being hollow, it is neither bad nor good. Its badness or goodness lies in those things whereof a man makes choice to fill the void, the inexpressible and indefinable craving within his soul, as also hunger is only bad when it is satisfied by bad things, or not satisfied at all, so that in the one case it leads to disease, and in the other to the committing of crimes in the desire for satisfaction. Many a poor fellow was hung by the neck in old times, for stealing a loaf to stop his hunger, and many a man of wit goes to the madhouse nowadays because the void of his vanity is unfilled. But vanity is called by yet another name when its disagreeable side is hidden, and when its emptiness has come to crave for great things. It is pride, the honorable pride, then ambition, and perhaps at last it is called heroic sacrifice. Vanity is an unsatisfied desire, hollow in itself, but capable of holding both bad and good. It is not identical with self complacency, nor yet with conceit. Probably John Harrington had originally possessed as much of this mysterious quality as most men who are conscious of strength and talent. It had never manifested itself in small things, and its very extent had made many things seem small, which were of the highest importance to other men. He had worked as a boy at all manner of studies, like other boys, but the idea of laboring in distasteful matters for the sake of being first among his companions seemed utterly absurd to him. From the time he had begun to think for himself, and he was young when he reached that stage, he had formed a rooted determination to be first in his country, to be a great reformer or a great patriot, and he cared to study nothing that was not connected with this idea. When his name was first heard in public life, it was as the author of a pamphlet advocating certain sweeping measures of which no one else had ventured to dream as yet. He would have smiled now had he taken the trouble to read again some of those earlier productions of his. It had seemed so easy to move the world then, and it seemed so hard now, but nevertheless he meant to move it, and as each year brought him increased strength and wider experience, it brought with it also the conviction of ultimate success. He had long forgotten to hope for the sudden and immediate power to stir the world, for he had discovered that it was a labor of years, the work of a lifetime, but if he had ever had any doubts as to the result of that work, he had forgotten them also. And now his strength, his aspirations, his vanity, and his intellect were roused together to the highest activity of which they were capable, the hour having come for which he had longed through half his lifetime, and though it was but the first trial in which he might fail, it had for him all the importance of the supreme crisis of his existence. No wonder that his face was pale and his lips set as he walked back from the telegraph office. As he walked down the hill by the railings of the Common, he came upon Josephine Thorn, standing at the entrance of one of the boarded walks, as though hesitating whether to go in. He was close to her as he bowed, and something in her face made him stop. Good morning, Miss Thorn, he said. She nodded gravely and hesitated. He was about to go on, thinking she was in one of those moods which he called capricious. But she stopped him. Mr. Harrington, I want to speak to you. She said quickly, seeing that her opportunity was on the point of slipping away. Yes, said John, smiling faintly. Mr. Harrington, did you read that article about you the day after the skating-party? Yes, said John. It was not complementary, if I remember. It was vile, said Joe, the angry color rising in her temples again. It was abominable. It was written by Mr. Vancouver. John started slightly. I think you must be mistaken, he said. No, I am not mistaken. There were things in it, word for word, as he said them to me just after the speech. I am perfectly sure. John looked very gravely at Joe, as though to be sure of her honesty. There was no mistaking the look in her eyes. Miss Thorn, John said, Vancouver may have said those very things to someone else who wrote them and printed them. But in any case, I am exceedingly obliged to you for the information. You are not angry, Joe began, already repenting. No, how could I be? It may be important. The junior senator for Massachusetts died this morning, and there may be an election at any moment. I have not told anyone else, but it will be known everywhere in an hour's time. Goodbye, and many thanks. You will be senator, of course, said Joe, in great excitement. I cannot tell, John answered. Are you going down the hill? No, thanks. I am going home, said Joe. Goodbye. End of chapter nine. Chapter 10 of an American politician. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org A reading by Quinton Manuel, an American politician by F. Marion Crawford. Chapter 10. Joe had been mistaken in thinking that Ronald would be less well received than herself. There was of course the usual amount of gossip concerning him. But as he refrained from eccentricities of dress when asked to dinner, and did not bet that he would ride his horse into the smoking room of the Somerset Club, the gossip soon lost ground against the list of his good qualities. Moreover, he was extremely good looking, and his manner was modesty itself. He admired everything he saw, partly because it was new to him, and partly because there was a good deal to admire. For a day or two after the final scene with Joe, he had avoided seeing her. He had not been able to resist the temptation to go back on the same day. And he had spent some hours in considering that human affairs are extremely mutable. But the scenes about him were too new and very many of the faces he saw were too attractive to allow of his brooding for long over his misfortune. His first impulse had been to go away again on the very evening of his arrival. He had gone to see Joe arriving during luncheon and the expectation of seeing her alone again. There would be a scene of solemn farewell in which he would bid her be happy in her own way in a tone of semi paternal benevolence. After which he would give her his blessing and bid farewell to the pops and vanities of society. He would naturally retire gloomily from the gay world and end his miserable existence in the approved God Livingston fashion of life between Cavendish tobacco, deep drinking and high play. Joe would then repent of the ruin she had caused. And that would be a great satisfaction. There was once a little boy in Boston, whose hands were very cold as he went to school, but he blew on them savagely saying, I'm glad of it. It serves my father right for not buying me my gloves. That was Ronald state of mind. He had led the most sober of lives and the wildest dissipation he remembered was the Lord Mayor supper to the Oxford and Cambridge crews, when he himself had been one of the winners. But surely for a disappointed lover, there could be no course so proper as a speedy death by dissipation, which would serve Joe right. Therefore, on his return to his hotel, he ordered whiskey and a sepulchral tone of voice. He tasted it and thought it detestable. On reflection, he would put off the commencement of his wild career until the evening after he had seen Joe again. The ravages of drink would not be perceptible so soon after all. He changed his tie for one of a darker hue, ate sparingly of a beef steak and went back to bid Joe a last farewell. Sybil Brandon and Miss Connectity were elements in the solemn leave, taking which Ronald had not anticipated. Sybil, moreover, made a great effort, for she was anxious to help Joe as much as possible in her difficulties. She talked to Ronald with a vivacity that was unusual, and Joe herself was astonished at the brilliance of her conversation. She had always thought Sybil very reserved, if not somewhat shy. Perhaps Sybil pitied Ronald a little. He was very quiet in his manner, though after the first few minutes he found himself talking much as usual. True, he often looked at Joe and then was silent. But then again, he looked at Sybil and his tongue was unloosed. He was grateful after a time and he was also flattered. Besides, he could not help noticing that his new acquaintance was extremely beautiful. His conscious smote him as he realized that he was thinking of her appearance. And he immediately quieted the qualm by saying that it was but natural admiration for an artistic object. Ronald did not know much about artists and that sort of people, but the expression formed itself conveniently in his mind. The consequence was that he accepted an invitation to drive with the two girls after luncheon. And when they left him at his hotel, a proceeding against which he vehemently protested on the score of propriety, he reluctantly acknowledged to himself that he had enjoyed the afternoon very much. Come and see us after five o'clock said Sybil. I will present you to Mrs. Wyndham. 936 Beacon Street. She added laughing with great pleasure. Thanks said Ronald. Goodbye Ronald dear said Joe pleasantly. Goodbye. He answered in a doubtful tone of voice as he raised his hat and the two girls drove away. Sybil was apparently in very good spirits. Do not be frightened Joe dearest. She said, we will manage it very well. He is not hurt in the least. Really? I do not believe he is so very much, you know, Joe answered. But she was thoughtful and did not speak again for some time. It was on the morning after this that Joe read the article on John's speech and met him by the common. Ronald did not call during the day and in the evening Joe went to her party as she had intended. But neither Sybil nor John Harrington were there. Sybil did not go to parties and John probably had too much to do. But at supper Joe chanced to be standing near Mrs. Sam Wyndham. Oh I so much wanted to see you Miss Thorn said the latter. I wanted to tell you how much we like your cousin Mr. Serbeton. He came today and I have asked him to dinner tomorrow. Yes said Joe turning the shade paler. I am so glad you like him. He is a very nice boy. He is perfectly lovely said Mrs. Sam enthusiastically and he is so natural you would not know he was English at all. Really said Joe raising her eyebrow a little but laughing at the same time. Oh my dear said Mrs. Wyndham. I always forget you are not one of us. Besides you are you see Mrs. Wyndham rarely said a tackless thing but this evening she was in such good spirits that she said what came uppermost in her thoughts. Joe was not offended. She was only bored. Will you not come and dine too tomorrow night? Asked Mrs. Wyndham who was anxious to atone. Thanks awfully said Joe but I have to dine with the Atchisons. Pocock Vancouver pale and exquisite as ever came up to the two ladies. Can I get you anything Mrs. Wyndham? He inquired after a double bow. No thank you. Johnny Hannibal is taking care of me. Answered Mrs. Sam coldly. Miss Thorn what can I get you? He asked turning to Joe. Nothing thanks said Joe. Mr. Bigelow is getting me something. She did not look at Vancouver as she answered and the angry color began to rise to her temples. Vancouver who was not used to repulses such as these and was too old a soldier to give up a situation so easily stood a moment playing with his coattails. A sudden thought passed through Joe's mind. It struck her that considering the situation of affairs it would be unwise to break off her acquaintance with Vancouver at the present time. Her first honest impulse was to cut him and never speak to him again but it was better to act with more deliberation. In the first place there might be more to be learned which might be of service to John. Secondly people would talk about it if she cut him and would invent some story to the effect that he had proposed to marry her or that she had proposed to marry him. It was contrary to her nature to pretend anything she did not feel but it would nevertheless be a mistake to quarrel openly with Vancouver. On second thoughts if you would get me a glass of water she said speaking to him. He instantly disappeared but even in the moment before he departed to execute her command he had time to express by his look a sense of injury forgiven which did not escape Joe. What a hypocrite the man is she thought. Vancouver on his part could form no conception of the cause of the coldness the two ladies had shown him. He could not know that Joe had discovered in him the writer of the article. Still less could he have guessed that Joe had told John and that John had told Mrs. Sam. He could only suppose that the two had been talking of something and were annoyed at being interrupted. When he came back with the glass of water Mr. Bigelow had just brought Joe some salad. The usual struggle began between the two men. Mr. Bonamy Bigelow was a little poet. I ought to thank you Ms. Thorn instead of you thanking me. Said Vancouver in a seductive voice on one side of Joe. Is it not the most crowded supper you ever saw? Remarked Mr. Bigelow on the other side. Why? Said Joe eating her salad and looking straight before her. I thought you were going to send me away. I was so glad when Yukon descended to make use of me. Answered Vancouver. Mr. Bigelow also answered Joe's interrogation. Well he said I mean it is thronged with people. There is a decided sound of rivalry by night. Youth and beauty? That sort of thing. Said Joe to Bigelow. Then turning to Vancouver she added. Why should I send you away? I hope there is no reason. He said gravely. In fact I am sure there is none. Except that you would of course always do exactly as you pleased about that and everything else. Yes indeed Joe answered and her lip curled a little proudly. You are quite right about that. But then you know I did not send you away. Thanks again said Vancouver. Do let me get you something more Ms. Thorn suggested Mr. Bigelow. No. There is any amount of patase you always like. Of course. You have heard about Harrington. Said Vancouver in a low voice close to Josephine's ear. No really? She answered. Will you take my plate? And the glass. Thanks. Mr. Bonamy Bigelow was obligated to retire. You mean about the senator ship asked Joe? Yes. The senator died this morning. Harrington will make a fight for it. He has many friends. Among whom you count yourself doubtless? Remarked Joe. Not politically of course. I take no active part. Yes I know. Joe knew the remainder of the sentence by heart. Then you will have a glorious opportunity for maintaining an armed neutrality. Oh if it comes to that said Vancouver mildly. I would rather see Harrington senator than some of our own men. At all events he is honest. At all events Joe repeated. You think perhaps that some man of your own party may be elected who will not turn out to be honest. Well the thing is possible. You see politics are such a dirty business. All kinds of men get in. Joe laughed in a way that made Vancouver nervous. He was beginning to know her and he could tell when some short thrust was coming by the way she laughed. Nevertheless he was fascinated by her. It is not long since you told me that Mr. Harrington's very mild remark about extinguishing bribery and corruption was a piece of gross exaggeration said Joe. Why do you say politics are dirty work? There is a great difference. Answered Vancouver. What difference? Between what? Between saying that the business of politics is not clean and saying that all public officers are liars like the Cretans who is exaggerating now. Asked Joe scornfully. Of course it is. I answered Vancouver submissively. If it is not a rude question did not that dress come from Egypt? Yes. The garment in question was made of a kind of soft white fluted material over a rose colored silk gown. The raised flutings followed the exquisite line of Joe's figure and had the double merit of accentuating its symmetry and of so leading the eyes as to make her height seem greater than it really was. Cut square the neck it showed her dazzling throat at its best advantage and a knot of pink lilies at the waist harmonized delicately with the color of the It is just like you said Vancouver to have something different from everybody else. I admire eastern things so much and one gets so tired of the everlasting round of French dresses. I'm glad you like it. Said Joe indifferently. I am so anxious to meet your cousin Miss Thorn said Vancouver trying a new subject. I hear there is to be a dinner for him tomorrow night at Mrs. Sam Wyndham's but of course I am not asked why of course inquired Joe quickly I believe Mrs. Wyndham thinks I dislike Englishmen said Vancouver at random but she is really very much mistaken really yes I should be willing to like any number of Englishmen for the sake of being liked by one English woman he looked at Joe expressively as he spoke really indeed yes do you not believe me oh yes said Joe why should I not believe you her voice was calm but that same angry flush that had of late so often shown itself began to rise slowly at her temples Vancouver saw it and thought she was blushing at what he said I trust you will said Vancouver I trust that someday you will let me tell you who that English woman is it was horrible he was making love to her this wretch whom she despised she turned her head away to hide that angry look in her eyes thanks no if you do not mind said she I do not care to receive confidences I always forget to forget them it was not an order that pocock Vancouver might make love to her that she had sent away Bonamy Bigelow the harmless little poet she wished him back again but he was embarked in an enterprise to dispute with Johnny Hannibal a place near Miss St. Joseph Mrs. Wyndham had long since disappeared will you please take me back to my aunt said Joe as they passed from the supper room they suddenly came upon John Harrington who was wondering about in an attached fashion apparently looking for someone he bowed and stared a little at seeing Joe on Vancouver's arm but she gave him a look of such earnest entreaty that he turned and followed her at a distance to see what would happen seeing her sit down by her aunt he came up and spoke to her almost thrusting Vancouver aside with his broad shoulders Vancouver however did not dispute the position but turned on his heels and went away oh I am so glad said Joe with a sigh of relief I thought I should never get away from him it is amazing what a difference the common knowledge of a secret will make in the intimacy of two people I was rather taken aback at seeing you with him said John not that it can make any difference to you he added quickly only you seemed so angry at him this morning but it does Joe began impulsively that is I began by meaning to cut him and then I thought it would be a mistake to make a scandal yes said John it would be a great mistake besides I would not for all the world have you take a part in this thing it would do no good and it might do harm I think I have taken a part already said Joe somewhat hurt yes I know I am very grateful but I hope you will not think anymore about it nor allow it to influence you in any way but what is the use of friends if they do not take part in one's quarrels asked Joe John looked at her earnestly for a few seconds and saw that she was perfectly sincere he had grown to like Josephine of late and he was grateful to her for her friendship her manner that morning when she told him of her discovery had made a deep impression on him my dear Miss Thorn he said earnestly in a low voice you are too good and kind and I thank you very heartedly for your friendship but I think you were very wise not to cut Vancouver and I hope you will not quarrel with anybody for any matter so trivial the color came to Joe's face but not for anger this time trivial she exclaimed yes trivial John repeated remember that it is the policy of that paper to abuse me and that if Vancouver had not written the article the editor could have found someone else easily enough who would have done it but it is such a dastardly thing said Joe he always says to everyone that he has the greatest respect for you and then he does a thing like this if I were you I would kill him I am sure I would that would not be the way to win an election nowadays said John laughingly oh I would not care about that said Joe hotly but I dare say it is very silly of me she added you do not seem to mind it at all it is not worthwhile to lose one's temper or one's soul for the inequities of Mr. Pocock Vancouver said John the man may do me harm but as I never expected his friendship or help he neither falls nor rises in my estimation on that account blessed are they who expect nothing blessed indeed said Joe but one cannot help expecting men who have the reputation of being gentlemen to behave decently Vancouver has a right to his political opinions and a perfect right to express them in any way he sees fit said John oh of course said Joe impatiently this is a free country and that sort of thing but if he means to express political opinions he should not cry aloud at every tea party in town that he is neutral and takes no active part in politics I think that writing violent articles in a newspaper is a very active part indeed and he should not go about saying that he has the highest reverence for a man and then call him a lunatic and a charlatan in print unless he is willing to sign his name to it and take the consequences should he I think it is vile and horrid and abominable and nasty and I hate him with the exception of the peroration to that speech said John who was very amused I am afraid I must agree with you a man ought not to do any of those things then why do you defend him asked Joe with flashing eyes because on general principles I do not think a man is so much worse than his fellows because he does things they would very likely do in his place there are things done every day all over the world quite as bad as that and no one takes much notice of them almost every businessman is trying to get the better of some other businessman by fair means or foul you do not seem to have a very exalted idea of humanity said Joe a large part of humanity is sick said John and it is as well to be prepared for the worst in any illness I wish you were not so tremendously calm you know said Joe looking thoughtfully into John's face I'm afraid it will injure you why in the world should it injure me asked John much astonished at the remark I have a presentiment she checked herself suddenly I do not like to tell you she added I would like to hear what you think if you will tell me said John gravely well do not be angry I have a presentiment that you will not be made senator are you angry no indeed but why just for that very reason you are too calm you are not enough of a partisan everyone is a partisan here John was silent and his face was grave and thoughtful the remark was profound in its way and showed a far deeper insight into political matters than he imagined Joe possessed he had long regarded mrs. windham as a woman of fine sense and judgment and had often asked her opinion on important questions but in all his experience she had never said anything that seemed to strike so deeply at the root of things as this simple remark of Josephine's I am afraid you are angry said Joe seeing that he was grave and silent you have set me thinking mrs. Thorn he answered you think I may be right she said the idea is quite new to me I think it is perhaps the best definition of the fact that I have ever heard but it is not what ought to be of course not Joe answered nothing is just what it ought to be but one has to take things as they are and make them what they should be added John and the look of strong determination came into his face ah yes said Joe softly make things what they should be that best thing a man can live for perhaps we might go home Joe said misconnected he who had been conversing for a couple of hours with another old lady of literary tastes yes and so said Joe rousing herself I think we might shall I see you tomorrow night at mrs. Wyndham's dinner asked John as they parted no I refused good night as Joe sat by her aunt's side in the deep dark carriage on the way home her hands were cold and she trembled from head to foot and when at last she laid her head upon her pillow there were tears in her eyes and on her cheeks is it possible that I can be so heartless she murmured to herself end of chapter 10 chapter 11 of an American politician this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org reading by Mary Rodie an American politician by F. Marion Crawford CHAPTER XI Ronald went to see Sybil Brandon at five o'clock and as a chance he found her alone Mrs. Wyndham she said had gone out or rather she had not yet come home but if Ronald would wait she would certainly be in Ronald waited and talked to Miss Brandon in the meanwhile he had a bereaved air when he arrived which was calculated to excite sympathy and his conversation was subdued in tone and grave in subject but Sybil did her best to cheer him and in the fullness of her sympathy did perhaps more than was absolutely necessary Ronald's Wynd was not deep but he had a firm conviction that it ought to be any man would have thought the same in his place certainly few people would have understood what they felt in such a position he had grown up believing he was to marry a young and charming woman of whom he was really exceedingly fond and now he was suddenly told that the whole thing was a mistake it was enough to break a man's heart and yet Ronald's heart was not broken and to his great surprise beat nearly as regularly the day after his disaster as it had done during the whole two and twenty years of his life he could not understand his own calmness and he was sure that he ought to be profoundly grieved over the whole affair so that his face was drawn into an expression of solemnity somewhat out of keeping with its singular youthful freshness of color and outline the idea of devoting himself to the infernal gods as a sacrifice to the blighted passion had passed away in the course of the drive on the previous afternoon he had felt no inclination to drown his cares in drink during the evening but on the contrary he had gone for a brisk walk in Beacon Street and had ascertained by actual observation and the assistance of a box of matches the precise position of number nine three six this had occupied some time as it is a peculiarity of Boston to put the number of the houses on the back instead of the front so that the only certain course to follow in searching for a friend is to reach the rear of his house by a circuitous route through side streets and back alleys and then having fixed the exact position of his residence by astronomical observation to return to the front and inquire for him it is true that even then one is frequently mistaken but there is nothing else to be done it was perhaps not extraordinary that Ronald should be at some pains to find out where Mrs. Winom lived for Sybil was the only person besides Joe and Miss Schenectady whom he had yet met and he wanted company for he hated and dreaded solitude with his whole heart having traveled all the night previous he went home and slept a sounder sleep than falls to the lot of most jilted lovers the next day he rose early and did Boston it did not take him long and he said to himself that half of it was very jolly and half of it was too utterly beastly for anything the common and the gardens and Commonwealth Avenue you know were rather pretty and must have cost a deuce of a lot of money in this country but as for the State House and Paul Revere's Church and the Old South and the city generally why it was simply disgusting all that you know and in the afternoon he went to see Sybil Brandon and began talking about what he had seen she was if anything more beautiful than ever and as she looked at him and held out her hand with the friendly greeting Ronald felt himself actually blushing and Sybil saw it and blushed to a very little then they sat down by the window where there were plants and they looked out at the snow and people passing Sybil asked Ronald what he had been doing I have been doing Boston he said of course it was the proper thing but I am afraid I do not know much about it but do you like it she asked it is much more important I think to know whether you like things or dislike them than to know everything about them do not you think so oh of course said Ronald but I like Boston very much I mean the part where you live all this you know Commonwealth Place and the public park you know and Beacon Avenue of course very much but the city you do not like the city suggested Sybil seeing he hesitated and smiling at his strange confusion of names no said Ronald I think it is so cramped and ugly and all little narrow streets but then of course it is such a little place you get into the country the moment you walk anywhere it seems very big to the Bostonians said Sybil laughing oh of course you have lived here all your life and so it is quite different I dear me no I am not a Bostonian at all oh said Ronald I thought you were that was the reason I was not sure of abusing the city to you but it is not a bad place I should think when you know lots of people and that was such a pretty drive we went yesterday yes it must seem very new to you everything must I should think most of all this casual way we have of receiving people but there really is a Mrs. Winnum with whom I am staying and she will be in before long oh don't don't mention her said Ronald hastily I mean it it is of no importance whatever you know he blushed violently Sybil laughed and Ronald blushed again but in all his embarrassment he could not help thinking what a silvery ring there was in her voice I'm afraid Mrs. Winnum would not like it if she heard you telling me she was not to be mentioned and was not of any importance whatever but she is a very charming woman and I am very fond of her she is your aunt I presume Miss Brandon said Ronald my aunt repeated Sybil oh no not at all only a friend oh I thought all unattached young ladies lived with aunts here like Miss Sinectity Ronald smiled grimly at the recollections of the previous day not quite that said Sybil laughing Mrs. Winnum is not the least like Miss Sinectity she is less clever and more human really I'm so glad said Ronald and she talks so oddly Joe's Miss Thorn's aunt could you tell me if it is not a rude question why so many people here are never certain of anything it strikes me as so absurdly ridiculous you know she said yesterday that perhaps if I rang the bell she could send a message and the man at the hotel this morning had no postage stamps and said that perhaps if I went to the general post office I might be able to get some there yes said Sybil it is absurd and one catches it so easily but would it not be ridiculous if the guard called out at a station perhaps this is Boston or perhaps this is New York it would be too utterly funny I'm afraid that if you begin to make a list of our peculiarities you will find funnier things than that said Sybil laughing but then we always laugh at you in England so that it is quite fair oh we are very absurd I know said Ronald but I think we are much more comfortable for instance we do not have niggers about who call us Mr. you must not use such words in Boston Mr. Serbiton said Sybil seriously there are people who would be very much offended you must speak of waiters of color or the colored help you must be very careful I will said Ronald thanks is everything re-christianed in that way I am afraid I shall always be in hot water oh yes there are no men and women here they are all ladies and gentlemen or the girls and the fellows but it is very soon learned yes I can imagine said Ronald very much amused but by the by this is the season here is not it so they chatter together for nearly an hour about the nearest nothing's not saying anything particularly witty but never seeming to each other in the least dull Ronald had gone to Sybil for consolation and he was so well consoled that he was annoyed when Mrs. Winem came in and interrupted his teta-teta Sybil introduced Ronald and when he rose to go after a quarter of an hour Mrs. Winem asked him to dinner on the following day that night when Ronald was alone in his room at the hotel he took Josephine's photograph from a case in his bag and said it before him on the table he would think about her for a while and reflect on his situation and he sat down for that purpose his chin resting on his folded hands dear Joe he loved her so dearly and she was so cruel not to marry him but somehow as he looked he seemed to see through the photograph and another face came and smiled on him again and again he called his attention back and tried to realize that the future would be very blank and reary without Joe but do what he could it did not seem so blank and reary after all there was somebody else there Joe is quite right he said aloud I am a brute and he went to bed trying hard to be disgusted with himself but his dreams were sweet for he dreamed he was sitting among the ferns at Mrs. Winem's house talking to Sybil Brandon why my dear said Mrs. Winem when Ronald was gone he is perfectly charming we have positively found a new man yes said Sybil I am so glad you asked him to dinner I do not think he is very clever but he talks easily and says funny things I suppose he has come over to marry his cousin has not he inquired Mrs. Winem no replied Sybil he is not going to marry Joe Thorn she answered absently for she was thinking of something and her tone indicated such absolute certainty in the matter that Mrs. Winem looked quickly at her well you seem quite certain about it anyway she said I oh well yes I think it is extremely unlikely that he will marry her I almost wish I had offered to take him to the party tonight said Mrs. Winem evidently unsatisfied however as he is coming tomorrow that will do quite as well Sybil dear you look tired why don't you go and lie down before dinner oh because I am not tired really I am always pale you know well I am tired to death myself my dear and as there is no one here I will say I am not at home and rest till dinner Mrs. Winem had been as much startled as anyone by news of the senator's death that morning and though she always professed to agree with her husband she was delighted at the prospect of John Harrington's election she had been a good friend to him and he to her for years and she cared much more for his success than for the turn of events she had met him in the street that afternoon and they had preambulated the payment of Beacon Street for more than an hour in the discussion of the future John had also told her that he was now certain that Vancouver was the writer of the offensive articles that had so long puzzled him at all events that the special one which had appeared the morning after the skating party was undoubtedly from his pen Mrs. Winem who had long suspected as much was very angry when she found that her suspicions had been so just and she proposed to deal summarily with Vancouver John however begged her to temporize and she promised to be prudent by the way she said to Sybil as she was about to leave the room it was a special providence that you did not marry Vancouver he has turned out badly Sybil started slightly and looked up her experience with Pocock Vancouver was a thing she rarely referred to she had undoubtedly given him great encouragement and had then mercilessly refused him to the great surprise of everyone but as that had occurred a year and a half ago it was quite natural that she should treat him like anyone else now just as though nothing had happened she looked up at Mrs. Winem in some surprise what has he done she asked you know how he always talks about John Harrington he always says he respects him immensely very well it is he who has been writing those scurrilous articles that we have talked about so much how disgraceful exclaimed Sybil how perfectly detestable are you quite sure there is not the least doubt about it John Harrington told me himself oh then of course it is true said Sybil how dreadful Harrington takes it in the calmest way as though he had expected it all his life he says they were never friends and that Vancouver has a perfect right to his political opinions I never saw anybody so cool in my life what a splendid fellow he is exclaimed Sybil there is something lion like about him he would forgive an enemy a thousand times a day and say the man who injured him had a perfect right to his opinions my gracious goodness Sybil how you talk cried Mrs. Winem you are not in love with the man yourself are you my dear I asked Sybil then she laughed no indeed I would not marry him if he asked me why not oh I would never marry a celebrity like that he is splendid and noble and honest but everything in him is devoted to his career there is no room for a woman at all I think the amount of solid knowledge about men that you dear sweet lovely beautiful innocent little girls possess is something just too perfectly amazing said Mrs. Winem slowly and with great emphasis if we do said Sybil it is not surprising I am sure I do not wonder at girls knowing a great deal about the world everything is discussed before them and marriage and men are the usual topics of conversation the wonder is that girl still makes so many mistakes in their choice after listening to the combined experience of all the married women of their acquaintance for several years it shows that no one is infallible what a funny girl you are Sybil exclaimed Mrs. Winem I think you turn the tables on me altogether yes well I have experiences of my own now said Sybil leaning back against an enormous cushion Mrs. Winem came and sat upon the arm of the easy chair and put one arm round Sybil's neck and kissed her Sybil dear she said affectionately and then stopped they sat in silence for some time looking at the great logs burning in the deep fireplace Sybil dear Mrs. Winem began again presently why did you refuse Vancouver you do not mind telling me do you why do you ask said Sybil it makes no difference now no perhaps not only I always thought it's strange he must have done something you did not like of course yes that was it he did something I did not like Mr. Harrington would have said he had a perfect right to do as he pleased but I could not marry him after that was it anything so very bad asked Mrs. Winem affectionately smoothing Sybil's thick fair hair it was not as deep as a well nor as broad as a house said Sybil with the faint scornful laugh but it was enough it would do I wish you would tell me dear persisted Mrs. Winem I have a particular reason for wanting to know well I would not have told before this other affair came out said Sybil I would not marry him because he tried to find out from poor mama's man of business whether we were rich and the day after he got the information that I was rich enough to suit him he proposed but mama knew all about what had gone on and told me and so I refused him she said I was wrong and would not have told me if she had known it would make any difference and now you say I was right I am sure I was it was only a fancy I had for him because he was so clever and well-bred besides he is much too old he is old enough to be your father my dear said Mrs. Winem but I think you were a little hard on him almost any man would do the same we here in Boston of course always know about each other it was a little mean of him no doubt but it was not a mortal crime I think it was low said Sybil decisively to think a man as rich as that caring for a paltry twenty or thirty thousand a year I know my dear said Mrs. Winem it is mean but they all do it and life is uncertain and so is business I suppose and twenty or thirty thousand a year does make a difference to most people I expect Mrs. Winem looked at the fire reflectively as though not absolutely certain of the truth of the proposition Sam Winem was commonly reputed to be worth a dozen millions or so he would have been very well off even in New York and in Boston he was rich it would make a great difference to me said Sybil laughing for it is all I have in the world but I am glad I refused Vancouver on that ground all the same if it had not been for that I should have married him just imagine yes just imagine exclaimed Mrs. Winem and to have had him turn out such an abominable black guard there is no mistaking what you think of him now at all events said Sybil no my dear and now we have talked so long that it is time to dress for dinner how Mrs. Winem went to the party and met Joe Thorne has already been told it was no wonder that Mrs. Sam treated Vancouver so coldly and she repulsed him again more than once during the evening when Joe was gone John Harrington went up to her I am very late he said and at first I could not find you and then I had to say something to Miss Thorne but I wanted to see you especially give me your arm said Mrs. Winem and we will go into the conservatory I have something as special to say to you too once out of the thick of the party they sat down I have discovered something more about our amiable friend she continued it is a side light on his character something he did a year and a half ago do you remember his flirtation with Sybil Brandon at Saratoga and then at Newport yes I was in Newport most of the summer you don't know why she refused him though it's perfectly rich Mrs. Sam laughed Riley no I only know she did and everyone seemed very much astonished answered John she refused him because he had been trying to find out how much she was worth it speaks volumes for the characters of both of them does it not yes indeed said John what a Jew that man is he is as rich as crisis oh well as I told her most men would do it I suppose so John answered laughing a little a man the other night told me he was going to make inquiries concerning the fortunes of his beloved one he said he had no idea of buying a pig in a poke that was graceful was it not Mrs. Whenham laughed aloud he was honest at all events by the buy do you know you have a fanatic admirer in Sybil Brandon no really I like her very much too and I am very glad if she likes me she said she would not marry you if you asked her though said Mrs. Sam laughing again you see you must not flatter yourself too much I do not I should not think of asking her to marry me did she give any special reason why she would inevitably refuse me yes indeed she said you were lion like and oh the most delightful things but she said she would not marry you if you asked her because you are a celebrity and devoted to your career so that there is no room for a woman in your life is that true I am not so sure said John thoughtfully perhaps she is right in the way she means I never thought much about it end of chapter 11 chapter 12 of an American politician this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org reading by Calm Dragon an American politician by F. Marion Crawford chapter 12 the idea Joe had formed about Vancouver was just in the main and she was not far wrong in disliking him and thinking him dangerous nevertheless John Harrington understood the man better Vancouver was so constituted that his fine intellect and quick perception were unsupported by any strong principle of individuality he was not capable of hatred he could only be spiteful he could not love he could only give a woman what he could spare of himself he would at all times rather avoid an open encounter but he rarely neglected an opportunity of dealing at thrust at one he disliked when he could do so safely he was the very opposite of John who had never said of anyone what he would not say to themselves and granted to every man the broadest right of judgment and freedom of opinion nevertheless there was not enough real strength in anything Vancouver felt to make him very dangerous as an opponent nor valuable as a friend had it not been for the important position he had attained by his clever subtletying affairs and by the assistance of great railroad magnets who found him a character and intelligence precisely suited to their ends Pocock Vancouver would have been a neutral figure in the world lacking both enterprise to create an idea and the courage to follow it out it was most characteristic of his inherent smallness that in spite of his wealth and very large operations that must be constantly occupying his thoughts he could demean himself to write anonymous articles in a daily paper in the hope of injuring a man he disliked it is true that his feelings against Harrington was as strong as anything in his nature he detested John's strength because he had once made him a confidence and John had done him a favor he disliked him also because he knew that whenever they chance to be together John received an amount of consideration and even of respect which he himself could not obtain with all his money and all his cleverness his mind too delighted in detail and revolted against John's sweeping generalities for these several reasons Vancouver had taken great delight in writing and printing sundry vicious criticisms upon John in the absolute certainty of not being found out the editor of the paper did not know Vancouver's name for the articles came through the post with a modest request that they might be inserted if they were of any use and they were generally so pugnant and to the point that the editor was glad to get them especially as no renomination was demanded as for the confidence Vancouver had once made to John it was another instance of his littleness at the time when Vancouver was anxious to marry Sybil Brandon John Harrington was very intimate at the house and was in Vancouver's opinion a dangerous rival at all events he felt that the contest was not an agreeable one nor altogether to his own advantage accordingly he tried every means to clear the coast as he expressed it but although John probably had no intention of marrying Sybil and Sybil certainly had never thought of marrying John the latter was fond of her society and of her mothers and came to the cottage on Newport cliff with a regularity that drove Vancouver to the verge of despair Pocock at last could bear it no longer and asked John to dinner over a bottle of pomerary sec he confided his passion and hinted that John was the obstacle to his wooing Harrington raised his eyebrows smiled wished Vancouver all success and left Newport the next day if Vancouver had not disgusted Sybil by his inquiries concerning her fortune he would have married her and his feelings towards John would have been different but to know that Harrington had done him the favor of going away knowing that he was about to offer himself to miss Brandon and then to have failed in his suit was more than the vanity of poor Mr. Pocock Vancouver could bear with any sort of calmness and the consequence was that he disliked John as much as he disliked anybody or anything in the world there is no resentment like the resentment of wounded vanity nor any self reproach like that of a man who has shown his weakness when Mrs. Wynham told John the story of Vancouver's failure he could have told her the rest had he chosen and she would certainly have been very amused but John was not a man to betray a confidence even that of a man who had injured him and so he merely laughed and kept his own console he would have scorned to speak to Vancouver about the articles or to make any change in his manner towards him as he had said to Josephine he had expecting nothing from the man and now he was not disappointed meanwhile Vancouver who was weakly but frequently susceptible to the charms of woman had made up his mind that if Josephine had enough pin money she would make him an admirable wife and he accordingly began to make love to her in his own fashion as has been seen a day or two earlier Joe would have laughed at him and it would perhaps have amused her to hear what he had to say as it amuses most young women to listen to pretty speeches but Joe was between two fires so to speak she was under the two influences that were strongest with her she loved John Harrington with all her heart and she hated Vancouver with all her strength it is true that her hatred was the only acknowledged passion for a maidenly nature was not able yet to comprehend her love and the mere thought that she cared for a man who did not care for her brought the hot blush to her cheek but the love was in her heart all the same strong and enduring so that Vancouver found the fortress doubly guarded he could not entirely explain to himself her conduct at the party she had always seemed rather willing to accept his attentions and to listen to his conversation but on this particular evening just when he wished to make a most favorable impression she had treated him with surprising coldness this was a supreme superiority in the way she had at first declined his services and had then told him he might be permitted to get her a glass of water the subsequent satisfaction of having ousted Mr. Bonamy Bigelow the little poet from his position at her side was small enough and was more than counter balanced and destroyed by her returning to her chaperone at the first soft tongue insinuation of a desire to flirt which Vancouver ventured to speak moreover when Harrington almost pushed him aside and sat down by Josephine Vancouver could bear it no longer but turned on his heel and went away with black thoughts in his heart it seemed as though John was to be always in his way it would be hard to say what he would have felt had he known that Josephine Thorn John Harrington and Mrs. Sam Widman all knew of his journalistic doings and yet it was nearly certain that no one of the three would ever speak to him on the subject Joe would not because she knew John would not like it John himself despised the whole business too much to condense and to reproach Vancouver and finally Mrs. Wyndham was too much of a woman of the world to be willing to cause a scandal when it could possibly be avoided she liked Vancouver too and regretted what he had done her liking only extended to his conversation in agreeable manners for she was beginning to despise his character but he had so long been and habitu that the house that she could not make up her mind to turn him out but for all that she could not help being cold him at first John himself was too busy with important matters to bestow much thought on Vancouver or his doings his day had been spent in interviews and letter writing fifty people had been to see him at his rooms and he had dispatched more than that number of letters at five o'clock he had slipped out with the intention of dining at his club before anyone else was there but he had met Mrs. Wyndham in the street and had spent his dinner hour with her at half past six he had another appointment in his rooms and it was not till nearly eleven that he was able to get away and look in upon the party when he met Joe for a week this kind of life would probably last and then all would be over in one way or another but meanwhile the excitement was intense on the next day Ronald came to see Joe before ten o'clock the time hung heavily on his hands and he found it impossible to occupy himself with his troubles there were moments when the first impression of disappointment returned upon him very strongly but he was conscious of a curious duplicity about his feelings and he knew well enough in his inmost heart that he was only evoking a vicious regret out of respect for what he thought he ought to feel tell me all about the people here Joe said he sitting down beside her almost as though nothing had happened who is Mrs. Wyndham to begin with Mrs. Wyndham she is Sam Wyndham's wife just that said Joe and Sam Wyndham oh he is in one of the prevalent professions he is a millionaire in fact he is one of the real ones when do they get to be real last Ronald oh when they have more than ten millions the others do not count much it is much more the thing to be poor unless you have ten millions that is something in my favor at all events said Ronald very much you have been to see Mrs. Wyndham then oh yes I went yesterday and she asked me to dinner tonight it is awfully good of her I must say you will like her very much and Sibyl Brandon too said Joe Sibyl is an adorable creature she is most decidedly good looking certainly there is no doubt about it Ronald pulled his delicate mustache a little though she is quite different style from you Joe yet presently as though he had discovered a curious fact in natural history of course Sibyl is a great beauty and I am only pretty answered Joe in perfectly good faith I think you are a great beauty too said Ronald critically I am sure most people think so and I have heard lots of men say so besides you are much more striking looking than she is oh nonsense Ronald Joe who is Mr. Vancouver Vancouver why do you ask especially it is very natural I am sure said Ronald in a somewhat injured tone he wrote about him he was the only person you mentioned in your letter that is he and a man called Harrington Mr. Vancouver Mr. Pocock Vancouver is a middle aged man of various accomplishments said Joe more especially distinguished by the fact that Sibyl Brandon refused to marry him some time ago he is an enemy of Mr. Harrington's and they are both friends of Mrs. Wyndham's I ejaculated Ronald and who is Harrington Mr. John Harrington is a very clever person who asked to do with politics said Joe without hesitation but as she continued she blushed a little he is always being talked about because he wants to reform everything he is a great friend of ours oh I thought so said Ronald what sort of fellow is he I suppose he is five and thirty years old he is neither tall nor short and he has red hair said Joe what a beauty left Ronald he is not at all ugly you know said Joe still blushing shall I ever see him you will see him tonight at Mrs. Wyndham's he told me he was going oh are you going to Joe no I have another dinner party you will have to do without me I suppose I shall always have to do without you now said Ronald disconsolently don't be silly Ronald silly repeated seroton in injured tones you call it silly to be cut up when one is treated as you have treated me it is too bad Joe you are a dear silly old thing said his cousin affectionately and I will say it as much as I please it is ever so much better because we can always be like brother and sister now we shall not marry and quarrel over everything until we hate each other I think you are very heartless all the same said Ronald listen to me Ronald you will go and marry one of these middle-aged people with a red hair be quiet said Joe stamping her little foot listen to me I will not marry you because I like you and I do not love you and I never mean to marry any middle-aged person I shall not marry at all most probably will you please to imagine what life would have been like if we had married first and found out afterwards that we had made a mistake of course that would have been awful said Ronald but then it would not be a mistake because I love you like anything Joe oh nonsense you are quite mistaken my dear boy because someday you will fall desperately in love with someone else and you will like me just as much as ever of course I should said Ronald indignantly nothing would ever make any difference at all but Ronald retorted Joe laughing if you were desperately in love with someone else how could you still be just as fond of me now I don't know but I should said Ronald besides it's absurd for I shall never love anyone else we shall see but of course if you never do we shall always be just the same as we are now well that would not be so bad you know said Ronald with a certain air of resignation after this conversation Ronald became reconciled to the situation Joe's remarked that he would be able to love someone else very much without being any less fond of herself made him reflect and he came to that conclusion that the case was conceivable after all he therefore agreed with himself that he would make no more about the matter for the present but would take what came in his way and trust that Joe would ultimately change your mind but he went to Mrs. Windham's that evening with a firm determination to dislike John Harrington to the best of his ability a middle aged man with a red hair five and thirty was undoubtedly middle aged short too but Joe had blushed and there was no doubt about it this was the man who had won her affections Ronald would hate him cordially but John refused to be hated his manner was easy and courteous but not gentle he was evidently no ladies man he talked to the men more than to the women and he was utterly without affection indeed he was not in the least like what Ronald had expected moreover Ronald was seated next to simple Brandon at dinner and drove everyone away who tried to disturb the tete-a-tete he succeeded in procuring with their afterwards he was surprised at his own conduct but he somehow connected it in his mind with his desire to hate Harrington it was not very clear to himself and it certainly would have been incomprehensible to anyone else but the presence of Harrington stimulated him in his efforts to amuse Miss Brandon Sibyl too in her quiet way was very willing to be amused and she found in Ronald Serbaton an absolute freshness of ideas that gave her a new sense of pleasure her affair with Vancouver had made a deep impression on her mind and her mother's death soon afterwards had had the effect of withdrawing her entirely from the world it was no wonder therefore that she liked this young Englishman so different from most of the men she knew best it was natural too that he should want to talk to her for she was the only young girl present at last as Ronald began to feel that intimacy which sometimes grow out of simple conversation between two sympathetic people he turned to the subject he had most in mind if not most in his heart you and my cousin are very intimate Miss Brandon I believe he said yes I have grown very fond of her in a few weeks Sibyl wondered whether Ronald was going to make confidences it seemed to her rather early in the acquaintance yeah she told me said Ronald she is very fond of you too I want to see her this morning I suppose you go every day said Sibyl smiling no not every day answered Ronald but this morning I was asking her about some of the people here she seems to know everyone yes indeed she is immensely popular whom did she tell you about oh Mrs. Wyndham Mr. Wynman and Mr. Vancouver and Mr. Harrington he is immensely clever she says and all Ronald with a touch of irony in his voice what do you think about him Miss Brandon I cannot judge very well said Sibyl he is a great friend of mine and I do not care in the least whether my friends are clever or not Joe does said Ronald she hates stupid people she is very clever too you know and I suppose she is right about Harrington oh yes I was only speaking of myself answered Sibyl he is probably the strongest man in this part of the world he looks strong said Ronald who was a judge of athletes I mean in the way of brain said Sibyl he is more than that for he is so splendidly honest but lots of people are honest said Ronald who did not want to concede too much to the man he meant to dislike perhaps but not so much as he is I do not believe John Harrington ever in his life said anything that could possibly convey a false impression or ever betrayed a confidence Sibyl looked calmly across the room at John who was talking earnestly to Sam Wyndham but has he no defects at all what a model of faultlessness exclaimed Ronald people say he is self-centered whatever that may mean he is certainly a very ambitious man but his ambitions are large and he makes no secret of them he will make a great stir in the world someday Ronald would have liked to ask about Vancouver also but he fortunately remember that Joe had told him that morning and did not ask his question of Sibyl but he went home that night wondering what manner of man this Harrington might be concerning whom such great things were said he was conscious also that he had not been very wise in what he had asked of Sibyl and he was dissatisfied at not having heard anything about the friendship that existed between Harrington and Joe but on the whole he had enjoyed the evening very much almost too much when he remembered the things Joe had said to him in the morning it ought not to be possible he thought for a jilted lover to look so pleasantly on life well said Sam Wyndham to his wife when everybody was gone and he had lit a big cigar well it was a pleasant kind of evening was not it yes said Mrs. Sam sitting down on the low easy chair for a chat with her husband what a nice boy that young Englishman is I was just going to say so said Sam he made himself pretty comfortable with Sibyl did he not I could not help thinking they looked a very pretty pair as they sat in that corner what is he he is Ms. Thorn's cousin Sam you really must not drop your ashes on the carpet there are no end of saucers and things about oh bother the carpet my dear said Sam good naturally tell me about that young fellow what is his name Serbaton is it not yes well there is not very much to tell he is here traveling for amusement just like any other young Englishman for my part I expected he had come here to marry his cousin because Englishmen always marry their cousins but Sibyl says it's not true how does she come to know inquired Sam rolling his cigar in his mouth and looking at the ceiling I suppose Ms. Thorn told her she ought to know anyway well one would think so by the way this selection is going to turn out a queer sort of business I expect John says the only thing that is doubtful is that fellow Patrick Bolly Maloy and his men now is not that just about the queerest thing you've ever heard of a set of Irish men in the legislature who are not sure they can manage to vote for a Democratic senator yes that is something altogether new said Mrs. Wyndham but it seems so funny that John should come telling you all about his election when you are such a Republican and would go straight against him if you had anything to say about it oh he knows I don't vote or anything said Sam of course you don't vote because you are not in the legislature but if you did you would go against him would you not well I'm not sure answered Sam in a drawl of uncertainty I tell you what it is my dear John Harrington is not such a bad Republican after all though he is a Democrat and it is my belief he could call himself a Republican and could profess to believe just the same things as he does now if he only took a little care end of chapter 12 chapter 13 of an American politician this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org reading by Anna Simon an American politician by F. Marion Crawford chapter 13 a council of three men sat in certain rooms in Condit Street London there was nothing whatever about the bachelor's front room over looking the thoroughfare to suggest secrecy nor did any one of the three gentlemen who sat in easy chairs with cigars in their mouths in any way resemble a conspirator they were neither masked nor wrapped in cloaks but wore the ordinary garb of fashionably civilized life for the sake of clearness and convenience they can be designated as X, Y and Z X was the president on the present occasion but the office was not held permanently devolving upon each of the three in succession at each successive meeting X was a man 60 years of age clean shaved with smooth iron gray hair and bushy eyebrows from beneath which shown a pair of preternaturally bright blue eyes his face was of a strong even healthy red he was stout but rather thick and massive than corpulent his hands were of the square type with thick straight fingers and large nails the great blue veins showing strongly through the white skin he was dressed in black as though in mourning and his clothes fitted smoothly over a short heavy figure Y was very tall and slight and it was not easy to make a guess at his age for his hair was sandy and thick and his military moustache concealed the lines about his mouth his forehead was high and broad and the extreme prominence between his brows made his profile look as though the facial angles were reversed as in certain busts of Greek philosophers his fingers were well shaped but extremely long and thin he wore the high collar of the period with a white tie fasted by a pin consisting of a single large pearl and it was evident that the remainder of his dress was with him a subject of great attention Y might be anywhere from 40 to 50 years of age Z was the eldest of the three and in some respects the most remarkable in appearance he was well proportioned except that his head seemed large for his body his face was perfectly colorless and his thin hair was white and long and disorderly a fringe of snowy beard and circled his throat like a scarf but his lips and cheeks were clean shaved the dead wax and whiteness of his face was thrown into startling relief by his great black eyes in which there was a death and a fire when he was roused that contrasted strongly with his aged appearance his dress was simple in the extreme and of the darkest colors the three sat in their easy chairs around the coal fire it was high noon in London and the weather was moderately fine that is to say it was possible to read in the room without lighting the gas X held the telegram in his hand this is a perfectly clear case against us he remarked in a quiet business-like manner it has occurred at such an unfortunate time said Y who spoke very slowly and distinctly with an English accent we shall do it yet said Z confidently gentlemen said the president it will not do to hesitate there is an individual in this case who will not let the grass grow under his feet his name is Mr Patrick Bellamolloy we all know about him I expect I know him very well indeed said old Z it was I who put him in the book he rose quickly and took a large volume from a shelf nearby it was a sort of ledger with the letters of the alphabet printed on the cut edges of the leaves I don't believe why he knows him said president please read him to us Z turned over the leaves quickly B Bally Bellamolloy Patrick yes he said finding the place Patrick Bellamolloy Irish Ironman Boston Massachusetts drinks takes money from both sides voted generally democratic ticket PS 1882 opposed B in election for governor iron interest increased PS 1883 owns 20 votes in house costs more than he did that is all said Z shutting out the book quite enough said the president Mr Patrick Bellamolloy and his 20 votes will bother us what a pity GH made that speech it appears that as Patrick has grown rich Patrick has grown fund of protection then remarked why crossing one long leg over the other exactly said Z that is it now the question is who owns Patrick anybody know whoever can pay for him I expect said the president now I have an idea said the old man suddenly and again he died into the book did either of you ever know a man called Vancouver yes I know all about him said why and a contemptuous smile hinted beforehand what he thought of the man I made an entry about him the other day said the president you'll find a good deal against his name here he is said Z again Pogock Vancouver railways Republican Boston Massachusetts was taxed in 1870 for nearly a million dollars weak character various dude takes no money believed to be dissipated but he cleverly conceals it never votes has extensive financial interests 1880 taxed for nearly three millions 1881 paid $10,000 to Patrick Bellamolloy Democrats for carrying a motion for the Monat Mink railroad see railroads 1882 folded for Butler hello exclaimed the president wait said Z there's more 1883 thought to be writer of articles against JH in Boston Daily Standard subsequently confirmed by JH that is all yes said the president that last note is mine Harrington wired it yesterday with other things but I was hurried and did not read his old record things could not be much worse you see Harrington has no book with him or he would know all this and be on the lookout has he figured it out inquired why yes he has figured it out he's a first-rate man and he has the whole thing down cold Bellamolloy and his 20 votes will carry the election and a Vancouver cares he can buy Mr Bellamolloy as he has done before he does care if he's going to take the trouble to write articles against JH depend upon it well there's nothing for it said Z who in spite of his age was the most impulsive of the three we must buy Bellamolloy ourselves with his 20 men I think that would be a mistake said the president do you said Z what do you say he asked turn into Y nothing replied Y then we will argue it I suppose said Z suddenly said the president I will begin he settled himself in his chair and knocked the ashes from his cigar I will begin by stating the exact position he said in the first place this whole affair is accidental resulting from the death of the junior senator no one could foresee this event we had arranged to put in John Harrington at the regular vacancy next year and we're now very busy with the most important business here in London if we were on the spot as one of us could have been had we known that the senator would die it would have been another matter this thing will be settled by next Saturday at the latest but probably earlier I am opposed to buying Bellamolloy because it is an uncertain purchase he has taken money from both sides and if he has the chance he will do it again if we were present it would be different for we could hold him to his bargain we do not like buying and we only do it in very urgent cases and when we are certain of the result to buy without certainty is simply to begin a system of reckless bribery which is exactly what we want to put down moreover it is a bad plan to bribe a man who is interested in iron the man in that business ought to be with us anyway without anything but a little talking to when you've stated any reasons to the contrary I will tell you what I propose instead that is all during the president's little speech y and z had listened attentively when he had finished z turned in his chair and took a cigar from his lips I think said z that the case is urgent the question is just about coming to ahead and we want all the men we can get at any price it will not do to let a chance slip if we can put jh in a set at now we may put another man in at the vacancy that makes two men instead of one I am aware that it would be an improbable thing to get two of our man in from Massachusetts but I believe it can be done and for that reason I think we ought to make an effort to get jh in now it may cost something but I do not believe it is uncertain I expect Vancouver is not the sort of man to spend much just for the sake of spite the question of buying as a rule is another matter none of us want that but if the case is urgent I think there is no question about its being right of course it is great pity jh said anything about protection in that speech he did not mean to but he could not help it and at all events he had no idea his election was so near if we're not certain of the result jh ought to withdraw because it will injure his chance at the vacancy to have him defeated now that is all I have to say I am of opinion said the president that our best plan is to let John Harrington take his chance you know who his opponent is I suppose Ira C Kelvin said y and z together Kelvin refused last night said the president and they've put Jobbins in his place here's the telegram it's code three he remarked handing it to z z read it and his face expressed the greatest surprise but Jobbins belongs to us he cried he will not move hand or foot unless we advise him of course said the president but mr. Bella Malloy does not know that nor any other member of the legislature Harrington himself does not know it verdict please verdict against buying said why naturally said see what a set of fools they are how about withdrawing Harrington I object said the president proceed I think it will injure his chance at the vacancy to have him defeated now as I said before that is all said see I think it will be dangerous to withdraw him before so weaker man as Jobbins it would hurt his reputation besides our second man is in Washington arguing a case and after all there is a bad chance that jh may win if he does not we win all the same for Jobbins is in chains verdict please why was silent and smoked thoughtfully for five minutes no one spoke and the president occupied the time in arranging some papers let him stand his chance said why at last in spite of the apparent informality of the meetings of the three there was an unchangeable rule in their proceedings whenever a question arose the member who first objected to the proposition argued the case briefly or at length with the proposal and the third gave the verdict against which there was no appeal these three strong men possessed between them an enormous power it rarely happened that they could all meet together and settle upon their course of action by word of mouth but constant correspondence and the use of an extensive set of telegraphic codes kept them in unbroken communication no oath or ceremonies bound them together for they belong to a small community of men which has existed from the earliest days of american independence and which took its rise before that period into this council of three men of remarkable ability and spotless character were elected without much respect of age whenever a vacancy occurred they were quietly with one immutable political purpose with which they allowed no prejudiced party view to interfere always having under their immediate control some of the best talent in the country and frequently commanding vast financial resources these men and their predecessors had more than once turned the scale of the country's future they had committed great mistakes but they had also brought about noble results it had frequently occurred that all the three members of the council simultaneously held seats in senate or that one or more were high in office more than one president since washington had said at one time or another in the triumvirate secretaries of state orators lawyers financiers and philanthropists had given the best years of their lives to the duties of the council and yet so perfect was the organization the tests were so careful and so marvelously profound was the inside of the leaders into human character that of all these men not one had ever betrayed the confidence placed in him in the truest sense they and their immediate supporters formed an order an order of true man with whom the love of justice honor and freedom took the place of oath and ceremonial binding them by stronger obligations than ever bound a ring of conspirators or community of religious zealots the great element of secrecy as regards the outer world lay in the fact that only two men at any one time knew of the existence of the council of three and these were those who were considered fit to sit in the council themselves even these two did not know more than one of the three leaders as such though probably personally and even intimately acquainted with all three the body of man whom the council controlled was ignorant of its existence therefore and was composed of the personal adherents of each of the three manifestly one member of the council could with a consent and cooperation of the other two command the influence of the whole body of political adherents in favor of one of his friends at any time leaving the individual in entire ignorance of the power employed for his advancement when a vacancy occurred in the council by death or old age of any member one of the two already designated took the place while the other remained ignorant of the fact that any change had occurred unless the vacancy was caused by the withdrawal of the member he had known in which case he was put in communication with that member with whom he was most intimately acquainted by this system of management no one man knew more than one of the actual leaders until he was himself one of the three at the present time z had been in the council nearly 30 years and acts for upwards of 20 while why who was in reality 50 years old had received his seat 15 years before at the age of 35 a year ago one of the men selected to fill a possible vacancy had died and john herrington was chosen in his place it has been seen that the three kept a sort of political ledger which was always in the hands of the president for the time being whose duty it was to make the insertions necessary from time to time some conception of the extent and value of the book may be formed from the fact that it contained upwards of 10 000 names including those of almost every prominent man and of not a few remarkable women in the principal centers of the country the details given were invariably brief and to the point written down in a simple but safe form of cypher which is perfectly familiar to every one of the three this vast mass of information was simply the outcome of the personal experience of the leaders and of their trusted friends but no detail which could by any possibility be of use escaped being committed to paper and the result was in many cases a positive knowledge of future events which to anyone unequated with the system must have appeared little short of miraculous what time is it in boston inquired the president rising and going to the writing table 28 minutes past seven said why producing an enormous three-dial timepiece set to indicate simultaneously the time of day in london boston and washington all right there's plenty of time answered x writing out a dispatch on a broad wide sheet of cable office paper see here is this all right he asked when you're done the message ran as follows do not withdraw if possible gain bellarmoloy and men but on no account pay for them if asked say iron protection necessary at present and probably for many years y and z read the telegram and said it would do in 10 minutes it was taken to the telegraph office by x's servant and now said x lighting a fresh cigar with the suppose of this accident we can turn to our regular business the question is broadly what effect will be produced by suddenly throwing eight or 10 millions of english money into an american enterprise when englishmen are not making money there are particularly disagreeable set of people to deal with remarked why who would have been taken for an englishman himself in any part of the world and so the council left john harrington and turned to other matters which do not in any way concern this tale john received the dispatch at half past 10 o'clock in the morning after the dinner at mrs windows and he read it without comprehending precisely the position taken by his instructor nevertheless the order coincided with what he would have done if left to himself he of course could not know that even if his opponent were elected it would be a game to his own party for the outward life of mr jobbins gave no cause for believing that he was in anybody's power harrington was left to suppose that if he failed to get the votes of patrick bellamolloy and his party the election would be a dead loss nevertheless he rejoiced that the said patrick was not to be bought an honorable failure wherein he might honestly say that he had bribed no one nor used any undue pressure would in his opinion be better than to be elected 10 times over by money and promises of political jobbery the end rarely justifies the means and there are means so foul that they would blot any result into their own filthiness all that the world can write or think or say will never make it honorable or noble to bribe and tell lies men who lie are not brave because they're willing to be shot at in some instances by the men their falsehoods have injured men who pay others to agree with them are doing a wrong upon the dignity of human nature and they very generally end by saying that human nature has no dignity at all and very possibly by being themselves corrupted nevertheless so great is the interest which men even upright and honorable men take in the aims they follow that they believe it possible to wait knee-deep through mud and then ascent to the temple of fame without dragging the mud with them and befouling the white marble steps political necessity what deeds are done in thy name what a merciful and polite goddess was the necessity of the ancients compared with the necessity of the moderns political necessity has been hard at work in our times from robespierre to sedan from st. Helena to the Vatican from the tea chests of boston harbour to the great rebellion political necessity has done more lying more bribery more murdering and more stealing in a century than could have been invented by all the roman emperors together with the assistance of the devil himself end of chapter 13