Senator Hanway did not reply directly to Richard's query. Direct replies
were not the habit of this practiced one. He made a speech full of
flattering generalities. He spoke of Richard's connection with the
_Daily Tory_, and expanded upon the weight and influence of that
journal. Also, with a beaming albeit delicate patronage which Richard
stomached for reasons of his own, he intimated complimentary things of
Richard himself and seemed to congratulate the _Daily Tory_ on the
services of one so keen, so sure, so graphic; which last was the more
kind, since Senator Hanway could have known no single reason for
assuming anything of the sort. He told Richard that he hoped to see him
personally every day. Here Richard broke in on the Senatorial flow to
ask if he might wait upon Senator Hanway every morning at eleven.

"For I am warned by Mr. Gwynn," explained Richard, with an alert
mendacity which would have done honor, to Senator Hanway himself, "that
he will hold anything short of calling upon you once a day as barefaced
neglect of his interests."

"Certainly, sir; most barefaced!" creaked Mr. Gwynn, giving the mandarin
bow.

Senator Hanway would be graciously pleased to see Richard every morning
at eleven. Also, he would aid him, as far as was proper, with a recount
of what gusts and windy currents of news were moving in the upper ethers
of government.

Then, having been polite, Senator Hanway got down to business and stated
that Mr. Frost, if Speaker, would favor a certain pooling bill, much
desired by railways, and particularly dear to the Anaconda Airline. On