"Absolutely positive. I wouldn't make a mistake in a matter like this, would I, unless I was what you said I was--a fool?" "Of course not. Oh, yo're a slick one. I like to do business with folks like yo'. It's mighty educatin'!" "Thanks," answered Bud, dryly. "It's certain that Langdon won't decide which place he's for until to-morrow. I promise you that he won't decide until after I have my talk with you." "Yo' see," said Telfer, "I asked that question because, as yo' probably know, Congressman Norton and his crowd is pretty close to Senator Langdon--" Haines cut him short with a gasp of surprise. "Norton!" Telfer, wrinkling his forehead incredulously, looked at Haines. "Surest thing you know, my boy." Bud turned his head away in thought. "Oh, leave the Norton outfit to me. I'll fool them," he finally said. "Good." Telfer shook the secretary's hand heartily. "Yo're no fool, my boy. Anybody can see that--after they get to know yo' all. That's what comes of bein' one of them smooth New Yorkers. They 'pear mighty sanctimonious on th' outside, but on th' inside they're the real goods, all right." The lobbyist hurried away, his bibulous soul swelling with satisfaction. He was sure of triumphing over Altacoola, and he was willing to pay the price. Haines sank back into his chair. "I wonder what Washington 'insiders,'" he murmured, "are speculating in Altacoola land. Telfer mentions Norton's name. I wonder--" The door opened, and before him stood Carolina Langdon. "Ah, Miss Langdon," he exclaimed, "I am glad to see you!" She walked to him and extended cordially a slender gloved hand. "This is a real pleasure, Mr. Haines," she began. "I've been waiting to talk to you for some time. It's about something important." "Something important," smiled Haines. "You want to see me about something important? Well, let me tell you a secret. Every time I see you it is an important occasion to me." Carolina Langdon had never appeared more charming, more beautiful to young Haines than she did that day. Perhaps she appeared more inspiring because of the contrast her presence afforded to the unpleasant episodes through which he had just passed; also, Carolina was dressed in her most becoming street gown, which she well realized, as she was enacting a carefully planned part with the unfortunate secretary. His frankness and the sincere admiration that shone in his eyes caused her to falter momentarily, almost made her weaken in her purpose, but she made an effort and secured a firmer grip on herself, for she must play a rôle that would crush to earth the air castles this young secretary was building, a rôle that would crush the ideals of this young optimist as well. CHAPTER XII THE CURE OF A WOMAN'S LOVE