“It would be too bad to have that career spoiled now.”
“But is it necessary? Suppose he should defend the Education Bill.”
“And criticise the party?” asked Miss Wynn. “It would take strong influence to pull him through.”
‚ÄúAnd if that strong influence were found?‚Äù said Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool thoughtfully.
“It would surely involve some other important concession to the South.”
Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool looked up, and an interjection hovered on her lips. Was it possible that the price of Alwyn‚Äôs manhood would be her husband‚Äôs appointment to Paris? And if it were?
“I’ll do what I can,” she said graciously; “but I am afraid that will not be much.”
Miss Wynn hesitated. She had not succeeded even in guessing the source of Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool‚Äôs interest in Alwyn, and without that her appeal was but blind groping. She stopped on her way to the door to admire a bronze statuette and find time to think.
‚ÄúYou are interested in bronzes?‚Äù asked Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool.
“Oh, no; I’m far too poor. But I’ve dabbled a bit in sculpture.”
‚ÄúIndeed?‚Äù Mrs. ¬ÝVanderpool revealed a mild interest, and Miss Wynn was compelled to depart with little enlightenment.
On the way up town she concluded that there was but one chance of success: she must write Alwyn’s speech. With characteristic decision she began her plans at once.