"An honest confession may be good for the soul," he returned, "but it seldom redounds to the honor of the reputation." "Happily, Father Algarcife is above suspicion," remarked Ryder, pleasantly. Then he changed the subject. "By the way, Mr. Nevins, I hear you have been displaying an unholy interest in the coming elections." "Not a bit of it," protested Nevins, feelingly. "They might as well be electing the mayor of the moon for aught I care. But, you see, my friend Ardly has got himself on the Tammany ticket for alderman." "What! You aren't working for Tammany?" "Guess not. I am working for Ardly. The mayor is a mere incident." "I wish he would remain one," announced the short, dark gentleman. "The Tammany tiger has gorged itself on the city government long enough." "Oh, it has its uses," reasoned Driscoll. "Tammany Hall makes a first-rate incubator for prematurely developed politicians." "And peoples the country with them," said Ryder. "I always look upon a politician as a decent citizen spoiled." "And you really think they will elect Vaden?" asked the vivacious and pretty young woman at Layton's left. "It does seem a shame. Just after we have got clean streets and a respectable police force." "But what does it matter?" argued Driscoll, reassuringly. "Turn about is fair play, and a party is merely a plaything for the people. In point of impartiality, I vote one ticket at one election and another at the next." When Driscoll left, that evening, he joined Claude Nevins on the sidewalk, and they walked down the avenue together. For some blocks Nevins was silent, his face revealing rising perplexity. Then, as they paused to light cigars, he spoke: "I believe Algarcife was a friend of yours at college?" he said. Driscoll was holding his palm around the blue flame of the match. He drew in his breath slowly as he waited for a light. "Yes," he responded, "for a time. But he has made his reputation since I knew him--and I have lost mine. By Jove, he is a power!" "There is not a man of more influence in New York, and the odd part of it is that he does nothing to gain it--except work along his own way and not give a hang for opposition. I believe his indifference is a part of his attraction--for women especially." "Ah, that reminds me," said Driscoll, holding his cigar between his fingers and slackening his pace. "I was under the impression that he married after leaving college." Nevins's lips closed with sudden reserve. It was a moment before he replied. "I believe I did hear something of the sort," he said. * * * * * When Mrs. Bruce Ryder turned back into the drawing-room, where Father Algarcife sat alone, the calm color faded from her face. "I am so glad," she said. "I have waited for this the whole evening."