“Sometimes it’s only a screen for the protection of a real issue,” Manning went on, “but in this case the fire is burning. You know, I am sure, that the conference to determine the best candidate for the next term of the presidency is to be held here in Washington to-morrow.” “At noon,” smiled Stroude. “Your information,” Manning said, “is speedy as well as accurate. The time was not determined until seven o’clock this evening. Seven men know it.” “And their wives,” cut in Laflin, peering at Rhoda. “We have canvassed the field thoroughly before coming to you,” Manning continued with his air of authoritative spokesmanship. “We have eliminated, for one reason or another, all the men who have been under consideration. Bannister is too old. Maxwell is too radical. Vandringham is too theatrical. Stearns is too variable. Durham is too light. Landreau lacks the necessary tradition. Penn comes from the wrong location. Jarvis jumped the party. The process brings us to you.” “How about Corliss?” “I don’t mind telling you,” Manning said, “that Carmichael is fighting desperately for Corliss, and that, without Covinger’s help, he _might_ be able to swing the conference. Mr. Laflin, Senator Wilk, and I have never swerved from our determination to have you. Carmichael has Bennett and Franklin with him. Covinger is the determining vote. You have him.” “Are you sure?” “Certain. He’s attending on Parker’s proxy. We won that point this afternoon. He’s solidly with you.” “Even against Corliss? Corliss is from his state.” “Even against him.” “Why?” “Well, it seems that Corliss has an old scandal against him which frightens Covinger. He’s afraid that it might make an election issue. By the way---- You’re not interested in these affairs, Mrs. Stroude?” “Very vitally,” she said, “and there’s nothing you need fear to discuss before me.” Manning cleared his throat, and old man Wilk stirred uneasily in his chair. Laflin’s mobile mouth twisted. “Go on,” said Stroude. “What’s the charge?” “Carmichael says,” Manning stated, “that there’s an old story back in your own state, Stroude, that might explode. We’ve all known you a good many years, all of us but Laflin, and we’ve never heard a whisper of it. I have told him that I do not believe it. So has Senator Wilk.” “What’s the story?” Stroude’s fingers, lighting a match, did not tremble. “Well, if you insist----” “I do.” “Carmichael says that you stole another man’s wife.” “There was no theft about it. She came with me. Later she went back to her husband. I left the place, started to practise law, and married. My wife never heard the story until to-night.” He looked down at Dell Martin’s letter, not yet read by him, topping the documents on the table in front of him. “It’s an old story,” he said, “and one not likely to explode unless----” “Unless what?” Laflin demanded from the gloom.