"You'll have to swing in with the new deal, bub. You can't cut party sirloin too close to the horn, and that's what Vard did. He wants to sit on the mountain and slam us flat under a rock with the new ten commandments on it. We can't stand for it. I didn't dream that he had grown to be so impractical in his old age. No one wants any such deal as he's framing up for the State. As I told you, he's trying to build human nature over, and he can't do it. I'm sorry it's turned as it has--he could have been just a little diplomatic and made us a good Governor. But Everett will make a good one--you needn't be afraid of him. We'll put through a few measures that will smooth things down a little. Now you've got to remember that you're going to the legislature. You might just as well not be there if you don't stand clever with the administration. I haven't put you in just as I intended. But get into line now, quick. I can smooth it all right for you. I've squared myself with Everett--he needed me!" Harlan listened patiently, keeping his eyes on his food. "Right after breakfast Luke is going to have a talk with you and Linton." "It will do Mr. Presson no good to talk to me. I'm with General Waymouth." "But General Waymouth has been eliminated, you young idiot. It was the combination of circumstances that made him a candidate. But those circumstances have been changed. I can't explain to you how, Harlan--not here and now. But a brand-new trump has been turned. It had to be done. You stay behind here with Linton and talk with Luke." The ladies were rising from the table. Harlan did not reply. He did not remain. He stepped aside and allowed the ladies to pass, and followed them from the alcove. Presson stared after him angrily. Linton, obeying his request, sat down after Mrs. Presson and her party had retired. "You've got a fool, there, for a grandson, Thelismer," stated the chairman with decision. "He doesn't seem to be a politician," returned the old man, gazing after him. "There are a few joints in a man that he ought to be able to bend in politics, but Harlan seems to be afflicted with a sort of righteous ossification. He'll have to have his lesson, that's all!" The young man was not in the mood to accept Miss Presson's invitation to accompany them to the hotel parlor. In the corridor he refused so brusquely that she stood and gazed at him, allowing the others to go on without her. "You seem to be taking politics very seriously, Mr. Harlan Thornton." "I'm taking honesty and my pledges seriously, that's all." "Then your honesty puts you in opposition to my father, does it, sir?" It was said with a spark of resentment. "Do you realize how that sounds?" "I do not say so, Miss Presson."