bad imitation of a man."

"Well, let that go," said Arkwright. "Also, she ought to be able
to supply you with funds for your political machinery."

Josh sat up as if this were what he had been listening for.

"That's right!" cried he. "Politics is hell for a poor man,
nowadays. The people are such thoughtless, short-sighted fools--"
He checked himself, and in a different tone went on: "However, I
don't mean exactly that--"

"You needn't hedge, Josh, with me."

"I don't want you to be thinking I'm looking for a rich woman."

"Not at all--not at all," laughed his friend.

"If she had too much money it'd be worse for my career than if she
had none at all."

"I understand," said Arkwright.

"Enough money to make me independent--if I should get in a tight
place," continued Josh. "Yes, I must marry. The people are
suspicious of a bachelor. The married men resent his freedom--even
the happily married ones. And all the women, married and single,
resent his not surrendering."

"I never suspected you of cynicism."