Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/270



EFORE boarding the train he was to take for Raleigh, he lingered with Mrs. Durham talking, talking, talking about the wonder of his love. As he arose to leave he said,

"Now, Mother dear"

"Charlie, you just say that so beautifully to make me your slave."

"Of course I do. What I was going to say is, I can't write to her. I don't dare. You can. Tell her all about me won't you? Everything that you think will interest and please her, and that will be discreet. Your intuitions will tell you how far to go. Tell her how hard I'm working and what an important mission I've undertaken, and the tremendous things that hang on its outcome. And tell her how impatiently I'm waiting for her to come to the Springs. Be sure to tell her that."

"All right. I'll act as your attorney in your absence. But hurry back, she must not get here first. I want you to be on the spot."

"I'll be here if I have to give up politics and go into business—and you know how I hate that word 'business.

"I'll telegraph you if she comes."

"Don't let her come till I get back. Tell her the hotel isn't fit to receive guests yet—it never is for that matter—but anything to give me time to get here."