steam."

She had spoken earnestly and quickly, but he laughed to assure her that
he was not offended.

"So that was it, was it?"

"I think so; something like that. And you laughed too that day!"

"Yes; why did I laugh?" he demanded.

"Because you knew it was grotesque, and not to be taken at all seriously
as people did take it. And then, maybe--maybe I thought it funny that
you should have employed Mr. Harwood to pull the lever that sent the big
hammer smashing down on the insect."

"So that was it! Well, maybe it wasn't so unnecessary after all; to be
frank, I didn't think so. In my conceit I thought it a good stroke.
That's a secret; nobody else knows that! Why shouldn't I have used Mr.
Harwood--assuming that I did use him?"

"Can you stand any more? Shan't we talk of something else?"

Their colloquy had been longer than Sylvia found comfortable: every one
knew Bassett; every one did not know her. She was a comparative stranger
in the city, and it was not wholly kind in him to make her conspicuous;
yet he seemed oblivious to his surroundings.

"You cast an excellent actor for an unworthy part, that's all."

"I was debasing him? Is that what you think?" he persisted.

"Yes," she answered steadily, meeting his eyes.

"You like him; you believe in him?"

"He has ability," she answered guardedly.

"Then I've done nothing to thwart him in the use of it. He's the best
advertised young man in the state in either political party. He's in a
place now where he can make good."

His smile was grave; it was impossible to answer him in the key of
social small talk.

"The 'Advertiser' seems to think that he's in the legislature to do what
you tell him to."

"He doesn't have to do it, does he? He owes me nothing--absolutely
nothing. He can kick me down stairs to-morrow if he wants to. It was
understood when he came into my office that he should be free to quit me
whenever he liked. I'd like you to know that."

She was embarrassed by the direct look that accompanied this. Her
opinions could not interest him one way or another, and he was going far
in assuming that she was deeply concerned in Harwood's welfare. The
incongruity of their talk was emphasized by the languorous strains of
the newest popular waltz that floated over them from the ballroom.

"If it were any of my affair--which it certainly isn't--I should tell
him to stand by you--to say no to you if need be and yet remain your
friend."

"You think,