THE MANUFACTORY OF REFLECTIONS.

Haviland's approaching election kept him very busy from this time
forward, and deluged him with interviews, canvasses, meetings, great and
little, and perpetual calls on his attention. His conscientiousness made
him work almost unremittingly, for he determined his part in the
struggle to be far more than a matter of mere verbiage and smiles. Mr.
Chrysler, like a sensible fellow-Member, quite comprehended the
situation, and was content to note the admirable way in which his friend
did everything; to receive a smile or friendly direction here and there,
and to fall back on the attentions of l'Honorable, and the over-zealous
Zotique. He felt his entry free, however, to the office where Haviland
was principally employed, and which was not uninteresting of itself.
There the young man had gathered a library of statistical volumes and
other statesman's lore, with busts of Thiers and Caesar and strangely
ideal and unlike the rest,--a pure white classic mask of Minerva on the
wall opposite his chair, as if to strike the note of a higher life;
while Breboeuf, curious little object, devoured some blue-book in a
corner.

Now what were those great aims of Haviland's? NATION-MAKING, we know in
general. But what was the work upon which he was employed as the means?

On the occasion of one of Chrysler's quiet entries, Haviland rose from
his table as the light began to fall, threw off his toils with a breath
of relief, and turning towards the older gentleman, called his
attention to a large green tin case of pigeon-holes and drawers of
different sizes, labelled.

"Here," he said, "is my manufactory of reflections."

One compartment was marked "FINANCES," another "LABOUR," a small one
"DEFENCE," and a drawer lying open for use was titled "THE UNITY OF
RACES."

"Take out a paper, Mr. Chrysler."

Chrysler put forth his hand willingly, and withdrawing one, held it to
the window and read as follows:

"A great thought can be thought in any place. A great Empire may be
planned in any corner."

The second was a note from "GENERAL NEEDS."

"What the country most requires is Devoted Men."

Others read similarly, some long, some short.

"I can show you what will strike you more," exclaimed Chamilly, in a
moment. "I have been planning your visit a little."

"Have you a geyser or a catacomb?"

"No sir,--a fountain of life," replied he, jocosely. "Let us get our
hats."

CHAPTER XXIII.