Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/304

 day last summer that I first met Governor Sanders. I have repented and confessed."

"That is good," said Annette, in a clear voice.

"I found Senator Bicknell just where I had left him, in his den; I told him the whole story—how I had yielded, because I was poor and ambitious, where a better man would have resisted. I told him there was no fear of my falling away this time; that you would not let me; and if I had kept you with me, and had taken you more into my confidence, I believe I should never have entered into this damnable bargain with Sanders. The Senator was staggered at first. I don't believe the slightest idea of my being disloyal to him had entered his head, but as soon as he recovered from the first shock he behaved nobly. I told him that I had not written a line to Sanders, he had not loaned me a penny, although I had expected to call upon him the first of January. Then Senator Bicknell said:

"'So, you have not committed any overt act against me?'

"'No,' I said, 'but chiefly because the time was not ripe.'

"'You have, so far, only agreed to betray me?'