n who has stolen, I must be your wife?"

"I do."

"Do you really want a wife who has been won in that fashion?"

"I want you."

"You realize, fully, don't you, the spirit in which I shall marry you?"

"We'll take care of that matter after we are married, Kate. You have
liked me. You will care for me more when you come to your senses in this
thing."

"You remember what my father did in the way of sacrifice, I suppose? It
was no secret in this state."

"Yes," he muttered, abashed under her steady gaze.

"I am like my father in many ways--in many of my thoughts. Perhaps if
he had not set me such an example in the way of sacrifice I should say
something else to you, Mr. Dodd. But as the matter stands between us,
considering the demand you make on me, I will marry you."

The concession was flung at him so suddenly--he had expected so much
more of rebellion--that he staggered where he stood. He advanced toward
her. But she waved him back.

"Sit down!" she commanded. "This matter has gone far outside romance.
It has become one of business. It is a matter of barter. I have had
some experience in business. You say that mother owes you five thousand
dollars which you took from the state treasury?"

"Yes, Kate."

"And your books will be examined very carefully, of course, if there is
an overturn in your office?"

"Yes. It won't be any mere legislative auditing."

"I know something about politics as well as about business, Mr. Dodd.
I cannot very well help knowing, after my experience in your uncle's
office. I suppose the next state convention will determine pretty
effectually whether there will be an overturn or not?"

"If we renominate Harwood it ought to give us a good line on the control
of the next legislature," he told her. "A hobo and a goody-goody," he
added, with scorn, "think they have stirred up a revolution, but
they have another think coming." He had been calmed by her outwardly
matter-of-fact acceptance of the situation. But he did not perceive the
fires of her soul gleaming deep in her eyes.

"If Governor Harwood is renominated and the next legislature is in
the hands of your uncle, as usual, you will be sure to remain in your
position?"

"Of course!"

"And you can hide the discrepancy on your books from the auditing
committee?"

"I am pretty sure I can."

"You appreciate fully, don't you, Mr. Dodd, why, after all my troubles
in this life up till now, I should hesitate to marry a man with s