under obligation to him her services would be very valuable. He was glad to find Mrs. ¬ÝCresswell there. It showed that the Cresswells were still intimate, and the Cresswells were bound to him and his interests by strong ties. He bowed as Mrs. ¬ÝCresswell left, and then did not beat around the bush because, in this case, he did not know how.
‚Äú Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool, I need your aid.‚Äù
Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool smiled politely, and murmured something.
‚ÄúWe are, you know, in the midst of a rather warm presidential campaign,‚Äù continued Mr. ¬ÝEasterly.
“Yes?” with polite interest.
‚ÄúWe are going to win easily, but our majority in Congress for certain matters will depend on the attitude of Southerners and you usually spend the winters in Washington. If, now, you could drop a word here and there‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù
‚ÄúBut why should I?‚Äù asked Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool.
‚Äú Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool, to be frank, I know some excellent investments that your influence in this line would help. I take it you‚Äôre not so rich but that‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù
Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool smiled faintly.
‚ÄúReally, Mr. ¬ÝEasterly, I know little about such matters and care less. I have food and clothes. Why worry with more?‚Äù
Mr. ¬ÝEasterly half expected this and he determined to deliver his last shot on the run. He arose with a disappointed air.
‚ÄúOf course, Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool, I see how it is: you have plenty and one can‚Äôt expect your services or influence for nothing. It had