Following the Senator were Miss Langdon and Hope Georgia, leading a retinue of hotel attendants staggering under a large assortment of luggage. Both beautiful girls, they caused a sensation all of their own. Carolina, a different type from the younger, had an austere loveliness denoting pride and birth, a brunette of the quality that has contributed so much to the fame of Southern women. Hope Georgia, more girlish, and a vivacious blonde, was the especial pet of her father, and usually succeeded in doing with him what she chose. A real Senator and two such young women handsomely gowned seemed to take the old hotel back a score of years--back to the times when such sights were of daily occurrence. The ancient greatness of the now dingy International lived again. "How are you, Senator? Glad to welcome you, sir," was the clerk's greeting. The genial Senator held out his hand. Everybody was his friend. "Glad to meet you, sir; glad to meet you," he exclaimed. "Must make you acquainted with my daughters. This is Miss Carolina Langdon, this Miss Hope Georgia Langdon." The two girls, with their father's idea of courtesy, shook hands with the clerk, who was not at all taken aback by the unexpected honor. Hope Georgia was thoroughly delighted with everything, but Carolina looked at the worn and faded walls and furnishings with evident distaste. "Oh, this is Washington," murmured Hope Georgia ecstatically, clasping her hands and gazing at a vista of artificial palms in a corridor. "Ah, this is Washington," sighed the new Senator contentedly, as he gazed across a hall at the biggest and most gorgeous cigar stand he had ever seen or ever hoped to see--the only new thing added to the hotel since Grant was President. "Truly magnificent establishment you have here, sir; magnificent!" he exclaimed as an imitation marble column came within his purview. "I remember my friend Senator Moseley speaking to me of it thirty years ago. Are our rooms ready?" The clerk, hugely pleased, hastened to assure him that everything was in first-class order, waiting. "You better go up, girls, while I look around a bit and sort of get the hang of things." "Yes, I think we had better look around a bit, too, before we decide, father," said Carolina, diplomatically. Her father patted her affectionately on the arm. "Now, don't you worry, Carolina. I see you think this place too expensive from its looks--too good for us. But I tell you the best, even this, isn't too good for you girls and your dad. Run away, and I'll come up and see you soon." The new Senator leaned his elbow on the desk, surveying the place. "I understand this is a favorite haunt for the big men of Washington," he said. The clerk eagerly agreed. "Yes, indeed, Senator; we have them all. Senator Peabody and Senator Stevens were here just a moment ago. Boy, find Senator Peabody and Senator Stevens and tell them Senator Langdon is here." The two Senators came quickly.