irty
work, but every dollar spent passed through his hands, and he knew for
what purpose it was used. At the end of that time, so well had he done
his work, that he was made president of the corporation. Because of that
position, and because he is clever, New York society swallowed him and
has ever since delighted to fete him. I find it no harder to shake hands
and associate with the men he bribed, than you do to shake hands and
associate with the man who gave the bribe."

"Even supposing the great breweries, and railroads, and other interests
to be chiefly responsible for bribery, that makes it all the more
necessary to elect men above the possibility of being bribed," said Le
Grand. "Why not do as they do in Parliament? Elect only men of such high
character and wealth, that money has no temptation for them."

"The rich man is no better than the poor man, except that in place of
being bribed by other men's money, he allows his own money to bribe him.
Look at the course of the House of Lords on the corn-laws. The
slave-holders' course on secession. The millionaire silver senators'
course on silver. The one was willing to make every poor man in England
pay a half more for his bread than need be, in order that land might
rent for higher prices. The slave-owner was willing to destroy his own
country, rather than see justice done. The last are willing to force a
great commercial panic, ruining hundreds and throwing thousands out of
employment, if they can only get a few cents more per ounce for their
silver. Were they voting honestly in the interest of their fellow-men?
Or were their votes bribed?"

Mrs. D'Alloi rose, saying, "Peter. We came early and we must go early.
I'm afraid we've disgraced ourselves both ways."

Peter went down with them to their carriage. He said to Leonore in the
descent, "I'm afraid the politics were rather dull to you. I lectured
because I wanted to make some things clear to you."

"Why?" questioned Leonore.

"Because, in the next few months you'll see a great deal about bosses in
the papers, and I don't want you to think so badly of us as many do."

"I shan't think badly of you, Peter," said Leonore, in the nicest tone.

"Thank you," said Peter. "And if you see things said of me that trouble
you, will you ask me about them?"

"Yes. But I thought you wouldn't talk politics?"

"I will talk with you, because, you know, friends must tell each other
everything."

When Leonore had settled