"Oh no! I can sail a boat; I shoot pretty well; I waltz nicely; I
row, swim, and box indifferently; and I play an atrocious hand at
poker."

Mrs. Cortlandt nodded gravely. "You are also good company, you
dress well, and you are an ornament to any hotel porch."

"Naturally, I refrained from mentioning those things, but, in
addition, I smoke, drink, and swear. I am unsteady in my habits,
and require a great deal of sleep. I think that completes the
inventory."

"Of course, you will live beyond your salary?"

"Undoubtedly."

"Seriously, now, don't you really---?"

"Go ahead. Say it! Don't I know anything? No. I am too highly
educated. You see, I took the full college course."

She drew her sharply pencilled brows together and pursed her lips
in meditation, regarding him meanwhile with a, look that was not
all disapproval.

"Am I hopeless?" he inquired at length.

"Dear, no! Experience is a good thing, of course, and ability is
even better, but neither is absolutely necessary in government