in that hole still clasping Bob to her bosom was almost
He turned up the jets of the chandelier, and gazed at his friend, and was silent.
"Have a seat, Hilary," he said, pushing up an armchair.
Mr. Vane sat down. Mr. Hunt took a seat opposite, and waited for his visitor to speak. He himself seemed to find no words.
"Adam," said Mr. Vane, at length, "we've known each other for a good many years."
"That's so, Hilary. That's so," Mr. Hunt eagerly assented. What was coming?
"And whatever harm I've done in my life," Hilary continued, "I've always tried to keep my word. I told you, when we met up there by the mill this summer, that if Mr. Flint had consulted me about your candidacy, before seeing you in New York, I shouldn't have advised it--this time."
The Honourable Adam's face stiffened.
"And I meant it," Mr. Vane interrupted. "I was never pledged to your candidacy, as a citizen. I've been thinking over my situation some, this summer, and I'll tell you in so many plain words what it is. I guess you know--I guess everybody knows who's thought about it. I deceived myself for a long time by believing that I earned my living as the attorney for the Northeastern Railroads. I've drawn up some pretty good papers for them, and I've won some pretty difficult suits. I'm not proud of 'em all, but let that go. Do you know what I am?"
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