"
"It would be too bad to have that career spoiled now."
"But is it necessary? Suppose he should defend the Education Bill."
"And criticise the party?" asked Miss Wynn. "It would take strong
influence to pull him through."
"And if that strong influence were found?" said Mrs. Vanderpool
thoughtfully.
"It would surely involve some other important concession to the South."
Mrs. Vanderpool looked up, and an interjection hovered on her lips. Was
it possible that the price of Alwyn's manhood would be her husband's
appointment to Paris? And if it were?
"I'll do what I can," she said graciously; "but I am afraid that will
not be much."
Miss Wynn hesitated. She had not succeeded even in guessing the source
of Mrs. Vanderpool's interest in Alwyn, and without that her appeal was
but blind groping. She stopped on her way to the door to admire a bronze
statuette and find time to think.
"You are interested in bronzes?" asked Mrs. Vanderpool.
"Oh, no; I'm far too poor. But I've dabbled a bit in sculpture."
"Indeed?" Mrs. Vanderpool revealed a mild interest, and Miss Wynn was
compelled to depart with little enlightenment.
On the way up town she concluded that there was but one chance of
success: she must write Alwyn's speech. With characteristic decision she
began her plans at once.
"What will you say in your speech?" she asked him that night as he rose
to go.
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