t from me to say that I wish to see a Democrat-Republican Governor
of Virginia! I do not. But since the gentleman for whom I myself, sir,
shall vote, is undoubtedly destined to defeat, we--my brother Dick and
I--consider that that post may as well be filled by you, sir, as by any
other of your Jacobinical party. No one doubts your ability--you are
diabolically able! But, sir, I would bury this arm where a damned
cutthroat barber surgeon buried the other before I would cry on to such
a post any man who did not enter the race with heart and hands washed
clean of all but honour, plain intents, and loyalty! In the past he may
have been tempted--he may have listened to the charmer, charming never
so wisely--there is in man an iron capacity for going wrong. He may have
done this, planned that--I know not; we all err. It is not too late; he
may yet put behind him all this--"

"I do not think that I understand," said Rand. "All what, sir?"

The Major faced around from the fire with a jerk. "All this. I am
explicit, sir. All this."

"Ah!" answered Rand. "I am dull, I suppose. All this. Well, sir?"

"I should," continued the Major, with emphasis, "regard the acceptance
of the nomination as proof positive of the laying aside of all
conflicting ideas, uneasy dreams, and fallacious reasoning, of all
intents and purposes that might war with a sober and honourable
discharge of exalted public duties. They are exalted, sir, and they may
be so highly discharged, so ably and so loftily, as to infinitely
dignify the office that has already great traditions. A Governor of
Virginia may be the theme, sir, of many a far distant panegyric--"

Again he rose and stalked across the room, then, returning to the
hearth, stood before Rand, his high, thin features somewhat flushed and
his deep old eyes alight. "Mr. Rand, it would be idle to deny to you
that I have had for you both dislike and mistrust. You may, if you
choose, even strengthen these terms and say that I have regarded you
with hatred and contempt. I am a man of strong feelings, sir, and you
outraged them--you outraged them! Well, I am prepared to bury all that.
Become a great Governor of Virginia, serve your land truly, according
to the lights vouchsafed to a Republican, and, though we may not vote
for you, sir, yet we--my brother Dick and I--we will watch your career
with interest--yes, damn me, sir! with interest, pride, and affection!"
He broke off to stare moodily into the fire a