Page:Despotism and democracy; a study in Washington society and politics (IA despotismdemocra00seawiala).pdf/95

 Here Senator Standiford took out a large red silk handkerchief and blew a blast like the blast of Roncesvalles.

Being an accomplished judge of men, Senator Standiford, while speaking, had watched Thorndyke closely. Had he shown any undue elation over the political prospects indicated by Senator Standiford's possible retirement, Thorndyke's fortunes would have been ruined. But by the lucky accident of having a good heart he said the most judicious thing possible.

"I don't see any indications of overwork in you, Senator. At the same time I know you do the work of ten men, and I also know the exercise of power is so dear to you that, from the pound-master in your own town up to the candidate for President, you give everything your personal supervision. But as for Miss Standiford's not being strong—why, I took her in to dinner less than a month ago, and remarked on her freshness and beauty. She looked the picture of health and ate more dinner than I did."

"Did she?" asked the Senator, anxiously. "What did she eat?"