[Continued.]

CHAPTER V.

WHICH TREATS OF THE MODESTY OF CANDIDATES FOR OFFICE.

Mr. Sandford sat in his private room.  Through the windows in front were seen the same bald and grizzly heads that had for so many years given respectability to the Vortex Company.  The contemplation of the cheerful office and the thought of its increasing prosperity seemed to give him great satisfaction; for he rubbed his white and well-kept hands, settled his staid cravat, smoothed his gravely decorous coat, and looked the picture of placid content.  He meditated, gently twirling his watch-seal the while.

“Windham will be here presently, for my note admitted only of an answer in person.  A very useful person to have a call from is Windham; these old gentlemen will put up their gold spectacles when he comes, and won’t think any the less of me for having such a visitor.  I noticed that Monroe was much impressed the other day.  Then Bullion and Stearine will drop in, I think,—­both solid men, useful acquaintances.  If Plotman has only done what he promised, the thing will come round right.  I shall not seek office,—­oh, no!  I could not compromise my position.  But if the people thrust it upon me, I cannot refuse.  Citizenship has its duties as well as its privileges, and every man must take his share of public responsibility.  By-the-by, that’s a well-turned phrase; ’twill bear repeating.  I’ll make a note of it.”

True enough, Mr. Windham called, and, after the trivial business-affair was settled, he introduced the subject he was expected to speak on.

“We want men of character and business habits in public station, my young friend, and I was rejoiced to-day to hear that it was proposed to make you a Senator.  We have had plenty of politicians,—­men who trade in honors and offices.”

“I am sensible of the honor you mention,” modestly replied Sandford, “and should value highly the compliment of a nomination, particularly coming from men like yourself, who have only the public welfare at heart.  But if I were to accept, I don’t know how I could discharge my duties.  And besides, I am utterly without experience in political life, and should very poorly fulfil the expectations that would be formed of me.”

“Don’t be too modest, Mr. Sandford.  If you have not experience in politics, all the better; for the ways to office have been foul enough latterly.  And as to business, we must arrange that.  Your duties here you could easily discharge, and we will get some other young man to take your place in the charitable boards;—­though we shall be fortunate, if we find any one to make a worthy successor.”

After a few words, the stately Mr. Windham bowed himself out, leaving Sandford rubbing his hands with increased, but still gentle hilarity.

Mr. Bullion soon dropped in.  He was a stout man, with a round, bald head, short, sturdy legs, and a deep voice,—­a weighty voice on ’Change, though, as its owner well knew,—­the more, perhaps, because it dealt chiefly in monosyllables.