ntrol of himself. The most he could make out of the episode was that
Spinney was seeking cheap revenge by offering insult to his face under
circumstances that prevented him from retaliating. He did not understand
the reference to Clare Kavanagh. His friendship for the girl was no
secret in the north country. That Spinney had made so much account of it
by his insinuations was the astonishing feature, in Harlan's estimation.

Fortunately for his peace of mind at that moment, he was not allowed to
dwell upon the matter. The Governor's messenger came seeking him. He
followed the man into the presence of his Excellency.

Harlan had not recovered his self-possession, and the Governor surveyed
him with some interest.

"Cares of State, young man?" he asked. "And the session still as calm as
a millpond?"

"That cur of a Spinney has just insulted me--no politics, sir, but just
plain, personal insult. Why, he went out of his way to do it!"

"You make much out of nothing if you allow that blatherskite to disturb
you," said the Governor, with mild reproof. "Pay no attention to him.
Now to my business with you! I'd like to have you dine with me this
evening. I have some serious matters to talk over with you alone--and
the executive chamber, here, is no place for a quiet talk."

Harlan hesitated a moment.

"Have you another engagement?"

"I was to dine with the Pressons."

"I am sorry to ask you to do it, my boy, but if it is merely a social
engagement, will you not beg to be excused? I assure you that my
business is such that it cannot well wait another twenty-four hours. I
am ready to leave the State House now. We'll ride past the Presson
door, and I'll wait while you present your regrets. Tell the fair
Madeleine that duty calls." He smiled. "I hear interesting reports,
young man. Again I say I'm sorry to keep you from your engagement, but
Miss Presson has been near enough to politics to understand what a
duty-call means. Come!"

The young man flushed. Reply failed him. He followed the Governor to his
carriage. It was late afternoon, and the State House was emptying.

As Harlan ran up the steps of the Presson house, Spinney's ugly threat
came to him. The man dealt in gossip. It was an incredible form of
attack. It was slander of the innocent. He could not forewarn Madeleine
Presson. That would be caddish.

But he felt a sudden panic. The impulse of admiration; covetous desire
to win her away from Linton, a desire prick