"I should be delighted," he said heartily.

When the meal was over and they had returned to the veranda, Leslie
listened quietly while the men talked, most of the time, but when she did
speak, what she said proved that she always had listened to and taken part
in the discussions of men, until she understood and could speak of
business or politics intelligently.

"Have you ever considered an official position, Douglas?" inquired Mr.
Winton. "I have an office within my gift, or so nearly so that I can
control it, and it seems to me that you would be a good man. Surely we
could work together in harmony."

"It never has appealed to me that I wanted work of that nature," answered
Douglas. "It's unusually kind of you to think of me, and make the offer,
but I am satisfied with what I am doing, while there is a steady increase
in my business that gives me confidence."

"What's your objection to office?" asked Mr. Winton.

"That it takes your time from your work," answered Douglas. "That it
changes the nature of your work. That if you let the leaders of a party
secure you a nomination, and the party elect you, you are bound to their
principles, at least there is a tacit understanding that you are, and if
you should happen to be afflicted with principles of your own, then you
have got to sacrifice them."

"'Afflict' is a good word in this instance," said Mr. Winton. "It is
painful to a man of experience to see you young fellows of such great