e to the new order of things. She led forward
Linton.

"And now, General, we're all wondering just how nice a compliment you'll
pay to the orator whose eloquence makes you the next Governor of our
State," chattered the good lady, poorly informed as to real conditions,
but anxious to force a situation for her favorite. "Herbert has been so
modest about it! We've been telling him just how grand we thought it
was."

"I thank you, Linton, for what you said." The General took the young
man's hand. "You have wonderful gifts of eloquence."

But there did not seem to be the enthusiasm which the importunate Mrs.
Presson desired.

"With all due respect to your greatness, General, isn't it true that he
turned the convention--has made you Governor?" she insisted, half in
jest to cover her earnestness.

"If it comes about that I'm the next Governor of this State," he
returned, gently, "it will be due entirely to this young man." He patted
Harlan's shoulder affectionately. "Just how he has accomplished it is a
very deep political secret between us two. I present my grand vizier,
ladies and gentlemen!" They understood that seriousness lay behind his
whimsical manner of speech.

Two very round eyes testified to Mrs. Presson's amazement. But once more
she found her social feet after this echo of the main quake. She took
Harlan's hand, and placed it on the chair next to that of her daughter.

"You'll sit here, if you please, Mr. Thornton," she said, urbanely.

For a little while a trifle of embarrassment shaded the few words the
young couple addressed to each other, under cover of the general
conversation about the board. Then Harlan, glancing down the table, saw
Linton staring gloomily in his direction. And at that look his spirits
leaped like a steed under the spur. What he had not dared, considering
himself on his own merits, he ventured now. If vague, hidden sentiment,
as he had thought of Clare Kavanagh, had restrained him in the past, it
no longer restrained him now.

The excitement of the day had given him a queer exaltation. He had been
one of the chiefs in the arena where all the great State looked on at
the combatants. The overlord had just given him soul-stirring proof of
his affection, half in jest as Harlan realized, remembering the occasion
for it, but it was none the less gratifying. Madeleine Presson had
looked at him with strange, new interest in her gaze when the General
spoke out. It had occurred to Harlan t