When they were alone, Victor again closed his eyes and resumed
that silent drumming upon the counterpane. Selma watched the
restless fingers as if she hoped they would disclose to her the
puzzling secret of Victor's thoughts. But she did not interrupt.

That was one lesson in restraint that Victor had succeeded in
teaching her--never to interrupt. At last he heaved a great sigh
and said:

``Well, Selma, old girl--we've probably lost again. I was glad
you came because I wanted to talk--and I can't say what's in my
mind before dear old Tom--or any of them but my sister and you.''

``You didn't want those injunctions and indictments out of the
way?'' said Selma.

``If they had stood, we'd have won--in a walk,'' replied Victor.
``As the cards lie now, David Hull will win. And he'll make a
pretty good show mayor, probably-- good enough to fool a large
majority of our fellow citizens, who are politically as shallow
and credulous as nursery children. And so--our work of educating
them will be the harder and slower. Oh, these David
Hulls!--these good men who keep their mantles spotless in order
to make them the more useful as covers for the dirty work of
others!'' Suddenly his merry smile burst out. ``And they carried
Hugo Galland on their shoulders?''

``Then you don't think Hull's motives were honorable?'' inquired
Selma, perplexed and anxious.