“In the committee of the whole things are working very well.  We have made ever so much progress in a week.  I believe that you and I together could run this government beautifully, uncle.”

The Senator beamed again.  He liked to be called “uncle” by this beautiful woman.

“Did you see Hopperson last night after the congressional prayer meeting?”

“Yes.  He came.  He’s a kind of—­”

“Eh? he is one of my friends, Laura.  He’s a fine man, a very fine man.  I don’t know any man in congress I’d sooner go to for help in any Christian work.  What did he say?”

“Oh, he beat around a little.  He said he should like to help the negro, his heart went out to the negro, and all that—­plenty of them say that but he was a little afraid of the Tennessee Land bill; if Senator Dilworthy wasn’t in it, he should suspect there was a fraud on the government.”

“He said that, did he?”

“Yes.  And he said he felt he couldn’t vote for it.  He was shy.”

“Not shy, child, cautious.  He’s a very cautious man.  I have been with him a great deal on conference committees.  He wants reasons, good ones.  Didn’t you show him he was in error about the bill?”

“I did.  I went over the whole thing.  I had to tell him some of the side arrangements, some of the—­”

“You didn’t mention me?”

“Oh, no.  I told him you were daft about the negro and the philanthropy part of it, as you are.”

“Daft is a little strong, Laura.  But you know that I wouldn’t touch this bill if it were not for the public good, and for the good of the colored race; much as I am interested in the heirs of this property, and would like to have them succeed.”

Laura looked a little incredulous, and the Senator proceeded.

“Don’t misunderstand me, I don’t deny that it is for the interest of all of us that this bill should go through, and it will.  I have no concealments from you.  But I have one principle in my public life, which I should like you to keep in mind; it has always been my guide.  I never push a private interest if it is not Justified and ennobled by some larger public good.  I doubt Christian would be justified in working for his own salvation if it was not to aid in the salvation of his fellow men.”

The Senator spoke with feeling, and then added,

“I hope you showed Hopperson that our motives were pure?”

“Yes, and he seemed to have a new light on the measure:  I think will vote for it.”

“I hope so; his name will give tone and strength to it.  I knew you would only have to show him that it was just and pure, in order to secure his cordial support.”

“I think I convinced him.  Yes, I am perfectly sure he will vote right now.”

“That’s good, that’s good,” said the Senator; smiling, and rubbing his hands.  “Is there anything more?”

“You’ll find some changes in that I guess,” handing the Senator a printed list of names.  “Those checked off are all right.”