ly became more gracious.

"Let her remain, Mr. President," he said in a tone pregnant with
meaning. "I am glad to have a representative of the New York press
with us to hear you express your attitude toward the cotton
schedule."

The President caught the insinuation. His hand was to be forced! His
indignation mounted, but he checked it.

"The schedule has been reported out of committee," he replied briefly.
"It is now before Congress."

"I am aware of that," said Ames. "And your influence with Congress in
regard to it?"

"I am studying the matter, Mr. Ames," returned the President slowly.

"Shall the Avon mills be closed pending a decision? Or, on the
assumption that Congress will uphold the altered schedule, must the
Spinners' Association begin immediate retrenchment? As president of
that Association, I ask for instructions."

"My influence with Congress, as you well know, Mr. Ames, is quite
limited," replied the hectored executive.

"It is not a question of the _amount_ of your influence with that
body, Mr. President," returned Ames coldly, "but of how you will
employ that which you have."

Silence lay upon them all for some moments. Then Ames resumed:

"I would remind you," he remarked with cruel insinuation, "that--or,"
glancing at the girl, "perhaps I should not make this public." He
paused and awaited the effect of his significant words upon the
President. Then, as the latter remained silent, he went on evenly:

"Second-term prospects, you are aware, are often very greatly
influenced by public facts regarding the first election. Of course we
are saying nothing that the press might use, but--well, you must
realize that there is some suspicion current as to the exact manner in
which your election was--"

"I think you wish to insinuate that my election was due to the
Catholic vote, which you controlled in New York, and to your very
generous campaign contributions, do you not? I see no reason for
withholding from the press your views on the subject."

"But, my friend, this is an age of investigation, and of suspicion
toward all public officials. And such rumors wouldn't look well on the
front pages of the press throughout the country. Of course, our young
friend here isn't going to mention them to her superiors; but,
nevertheless, they ought to be suppressed at once. Their effect upon
your second-term prospects would be simply annihilating. Now I am in a
position to greatly assist in the matter of--we