"I'm a bit skeptical--still basing my opinion on your own statements as to common-stock dividends--as to the price per kilowatt after competitors shall have been sandbagged according to that legislative measure," drawled the mayor. He turned to the Senator. "You see, sir, your guest and myself are still a good ways apart in our business ideas!" "We'll drop business--drop it right where it is," said the Senator, curtly. "Mr. Daunt has tried to meet you more than half-way in business, in my house, taking my indorsement of you. When I recommended you I was not aware that you had been making radical speeches to a down-town mob. I am shocked by the change in you, Stewart. Have you any explanation to give me?" "I'm afraid it would take too long to go over it now in a way to make you understand, sir. I don't want to spoil my case by leaving you half informed. Mr. Daunt and I have reached an understanding. Pardon me, but I insist that I must keep my promise to Miss Corson." The father did not welcome that announcement. "I trust that the understanding you mention includes the obligation to forget all that Mr. Daunt has said under my roof this evening." "I have never betrayed confidences in my personal relations with any man, Senator Corson," returned Morrison. "Then your honor naturally suggests your course in this peculiar situation." "Let's not stop to split hairs of honor! What do you expect me to do?" demanded Morrison, bruskly business-like. "I'll tell you what I expect," volunteered Daunt. "You have possession of facts----" "I did not solicit them, sir. I was practically forced into an interview with you when I much rather would have been enjoying myself in the ballroom." "Nevertheless, you have the facts. Under the circumstances you have no right to them. I expect you to show a gentleman's consideration and keep carefully away from my affairs." "I, also, must ask that much, as your mutual host," put in Corson. "Gentlemen," declared Stewart, setting back his shoulders, "by allowing myself to stretch what you term 'honor' to that fine point I would be held up in a campaign I have started--prevented from going on with my work, simply because Mr. Silas Daunt is among the men I'm fighting. I'm exactly where I was before Mr. Daunt talked to me. I propose to lick a water-power monopoly in this state if it's in my humble power to do it. If you stay in that crowd, Mr. Daunt, you've got to take your chances along with the rest of 'em." "Stewart, your position is outrageous," blazed Corson. "You're not only throwing away a wonderful business opportunity on lines wholly approved by general usage--simply to indulge an impractical whim for which you'll get no thanks--taking a nonsensical stand for a mere dream in the way of public ownership--but you're insulting me, myself, by the inference that may be drawn." "I don't understand, sir." "Well, then, understand!" said the Senator, carried far by his indignation. "You know how I made my fortune!"