But he was
not minded to embarrass the girl any further. He bowed. "I thank Miss
Corson for giving the gist of the thing so neatly."
"I know I don't understand it all yet, father!" Lana was both frightened
and wistful. The Senator had turned from her and was striding to and fro,
scuffing his feet hard on the carpet. "If you're blaming Mayor Morrison
for revealing confidences, I'm sorry. But you can't help being proud when
it is spread abroad how your handling of the dreadful affair prevented
bloodshed and shame in this state."
"Spread abroad!" Senator Corson brought down his feet more violently.
The situation, if it remained bottled up there in the Executive Chamber
any longer, threatened to explode in still more damaging fashion, was
Stewart's uncomfortable thought. The Senator's remark suggested a
diversion in the way of topics, at any rate.
"That reminds me that the newspaper boys are waiting outside in the
corridor, Senator Corson. I asked them to be patient for a few minutes.
Please allow me to say that I have added no statement to what I said to
the crowd in the square. I shall not add any."
"I don't see how you could add anything!" retorted the Senator with venom.
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