"A waltz--two waltzes, anyway!" he declared. "They settle arrearages in
your accounts, Lana, for the two winters you have been away. And why not
another?" He was scribbling with the pencil. "It will settle the current
bill."
"It is a business age," murmured Mrs. Stanton, "and collections cannot be
looked after too sharply."
"Will you not permit me to go in debt to you, madam?" he asked. "I'll be
truly obligated if you'll allow me to put my name on your card."
"As a banker's daughter, I'll say that the references that have been
submitted by Miss Corson in regard to your standing are excellent," said
Mrs. Stanton, with a significance meant for Lana's confusion. But while
she was detaching the tassel from her girdle Governor North interrupted.
He was standing on the stairs, just below the little group.
"Excuse me for breaking in on the party, but I'm due at the State House.
I'll bother you only a second, Morrison. Then you won't have a thing to do
except be nice to the ladies."
"I know I'll be excused by them for a few moments, Governor." He started
to descend. His Excellency put up his hand.
"We can attend to it right here, Mister Mayor!"
"But I have a word or two--"
"That's all I have!" was the blunt retort.
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