Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/154

 in carrying the dead man from the Legation to the hearse, Baldwin was, in consequence, elected to the swell club, asked to the smart cotillon, and made more headway in a month in the smart set than he could have made otherwise in a year. He repaid his debt to the dead diplomat by buying some very ordinary pictures at the sale of the Minister's effects, and paying the most extravagant price ever heard of for them.

To Eleanor their social rise was nothing surprising. She expected it, having been bred like a young princess, only with less of democracy than real princesses are bred. When she entered the room with Mrs. Hill-Smith, Baldwin rose and responded smilingly to Mrs. Hill-Smith's remark:

"Here you are, as usual, among your books."

"Yes—as usual, among my books. I daresay your father, the Secretary, spends a good deal of time among his books."

"Oh, yes," replied Mrs. Hill-Smith, airily, "but he has been dreadfully put out of late. Congress has been so troublesome. I don't know exactly how, but it has annoyed papa extremely."

"Very reprehensible," said Baldwin, earnestly,