somewhat ashamed at the good they did him--being the first words of
encomium that had ever come his way. They confirmed his ambition; he had
found a pleasant, unexpected window from which to reconsider existence.

It was seven o'clock and Richard sat turning over a pile of papers which
related to the purchase of the _Daily Tory_; they had been left by Mr.
Gwynn. These he compared with a letter or two that had just come in.

"What a fool and old rogue it is!" cried Richard disgustedly. Then he
pushed the button that summoned Mr. Gwynn.

That severe Briton appeared in flawless evening dress. It was the
occasion of the Harley dinner, and Mr. Gwynn had ordered his carriage
for half after seven.

"Mr. Gwynn," said Richard, "the Harley purpose is the Presidential hopes
of Senator Hanway. You will offer aid in all of Senator Hanway's plans.
Particularly, you are to let him know that the _Daily Tory_ is at his
service. Say that I, as its correspondent, shall make it my first duty
to wait upon him."

"Very good, sir," said Mr. Gwynn.

"Another moment, Mr. Gwynn," said Richard, as the other was about to go.
"Give me your personal check for eleven thousand six hundred and forty
dollars."

Mr. Gywnn's face twitched; he hesitated, rocking a little on his feet.
Richard had turned to scribble something; with that, repressing whatever
had been upon his lips, Mr. Gwynn withdrew. He was instantly back with a