"I suppose you mean that I am one too. But it always has been my
boast, Betty, that I never have had a politician in my house. Your
father knew some, but he never brought them here; he knew the
fastidious manner in which I had been brought up; and although I am
afraid he kept late hours with a good many of them at Chamberlin's and
other dreadful places, he always spared me. I suppose this is heredity
working out in you."

"Possibly. But you will admit, will you not, that I am old enough to
choose my own life?"

"You always have done every single thing you wanted, so I don't see
why you talk like that. But if you are going to bring a lot of men to
this house who will spit on my carpets and use toothpicks, I beg you
will not ask me to receive with you." "Of course you will receive with
me, Molly dear--when I know anybody worth receiving. Unfortunately I
am not the wife of the President and cannot send out a royal summons.
I am hoping that Lady Mary Montgomery will help me. But my first step
shall be to pay a daily visit to the Senate Gallery."

"What!" Mrs. Madison's weary voice flew to its upper register. "I
_do_ know something about politics--I remember now--the only women who
go to the Capitol are lobbyists--dreadful creatures who--who--do all
sorts of things. You can't go there; you'll be taken for one."

"We none of us are taken very long for what we are not. I shall take
Leontine with me, and those interested enough to notice me will soon
learn what I go for."

Mrs. Madison burst into tears. "You are your father all over again!