Then followed an intelligent abstract of the bills he was to introduce —­the results of a progressive and statesmanlike brain.  There was an account of him as a methodical and painstaking business man whose suggestions to the boards of directors of which he was a member had been invaluable.  The article ended with a list of the clubs to which he belonged, of the societies which he had organized and of those of which he was a member,—­and it might have been remarked by a discerning reader that most of these societies were State affairs.  Finally there was a pen portrait of an Apollo Belvidere who wore the rough garb of a farmer (on the days when the press was present).

Mr. Crewe’s incessant trials, which would have taxed a less rugged nature, did not end here.  About five o’clock one afternoon a pleasant-appearing gentleman with a mellifluous voice turned up who introduced himself as ex (State) Senator Grady.  The senator was from Newcastle, that city out of the mysterious depths of which so many political stars have arisen.  Mr. Crewe cancelled a long-deferred engagement with Mrs. Pomfret, and invited the senator to stay to dinner; the senator hesitated, explained that he was just passing through Ripton, and, as it was a pleasant afternoon, had called to “pay his respects”; but Mr. Crewe’s well-known hospitality would accept no excuses.  Mr. Crewe opened a box of cigars which he had bought especially for the taste of State senators and a particular grade of Scotch whiskey.

They talked politics for four hours.  Who would be governor?  The senator thought Asa Gray would.  The railroad was behind him, Mr. Crewe observed knowingly.  The senator remarked that Mr. Crewe was no gosling.  Mr. Crewe, as political-geniuses will, asked as many questions as the emperor of Germany—­pertinent questions about State politics.  Senator Grady was tremendously impressed with his host’s programme of bills, and went over them so painstakingly that Mr. Crewe became more and more struck with Senator Grady’s intelligence.  The senator told Mr. Crewe that just such a man as he was needed to pull the State out of the rut into which she had fallen.  Mr. Crewe said that he hoped to find such enlightened men in the Legislature as the senator.  The senator let it be known that he had read the newspaper articles, and had remarked that Mr. Crewe was close to the president of the Northeastern Railroads.

“Such a man as you,” said the senator, looking at the remainder of the Scotch whiskey, “will have the railroad behind you, sure.”

“One more drink,” said Mr. Crewe.

“I must go,” said Mr. Grady, pouring it out, but that reminds me.  It comes over me sudden-like, as I sit here, that you certainly ought to be in the new encyclopeedie of the prominent men of the State.  But sure you have received an application.”

“It is probable that my secretary has one,” said Mr. Crewe, “but he hasn’t called it to my attention.”