I do not.  But since the gentleman for whom I myself, sir, shall vote, is undoubtedly destined to defeat, we—­my brother Dick and I—­consider that that post may as well be filled by you, sir, as by any other of your Jacobinical party.  No one doubts your ability—­you are diabolically able!  But, sir, I would bury this arm where a damned cutthroat barber surgeon buried the other before I would cry on to such a post any man who did not enter the race with heart and hands washed clean of all but honour, plain intents, and loyalty!  In the past he may have been tempted—­he may have listened to the charmer, charming never so wisely—­there is in man an iron capacity for going wrong.  He may have done this, planned that—­I know not; we all err.  It is not too late; he may yet put behind him all this—­”

“I do not think that I understand,” said Rand.  “All what, sir?”

The Major faced around from the fire with a jerk.  “All this.  I am explicit, sir.  All this.”

“Ah!” answered Rand.  “I am dull, I suppose.  All this.  Well, sir?”

“I should,” continued the Major, with emphasis, “regard the acceptance of the nomination as proof positive of the laying aside of all conflicting ideas, uneasy dreams, and fallacious reasoning, of all intents and purposes that might war with a sober and honourable discharge of exalted public duties.  They are exalted, sir, and they may be so highly discharged, so ably and so loftily, as to infinitely dignify the office that has already great traditions.  A Governor of Virginia may be the theme, sir, of many a far distant panegyric—­”

Again he rose and stalked across the room, then, returning to the hearth, stood before Rand, his high, thin features somewhat flushed and his deep old eyes alight.  “Mr. Rand, it would be idle to deny to you that I have had for you both dislike and mistrust.  You may, if you choose, even strengthen these terms and say that I have regarded you with hatred and contempt.  I am a man of strong feelings, sir, and you outraged them—­you outraged them!  Well, I am prepared to bury all that.  Become a great Governor of Virginia, serve your land truly, according to the lights vouchsafed to a Republican, and, though we may not vote for you, sir, yet we—­my brother Dick and I—­we will watch your career with interest—­yes, damn me, sir! with interest, pride, and affection!” He broke off to stare moodily into the fire and, with his foot, to thrust farther in a burning log.

“An olive branch!” exclaimed Rand, smiling.  “This is a whole grove of olives!  I am sorry about the governorship—­”

“I have made enquiries,” interrupted the other harshly.  “You have but to signify your change of mind to your committee, and your name is up.  The governorship—­the governorship is not all!  It is but a step from Richmond to Washington.  There’s field enough for even a towering ambition.”  He looked around him.  “And Roselands.  This place has always had a charm.  In the old days it was famed for hospitality—­for hospitality and for the beauty of its women.”