Before their departure the Duke
had been obliged, smilingly, to refuse a request of Mrs. Presson's.
She had asked that young Mr. Thornton be delegated as squire of dames to
accompany herself and her party to the convention.
"I'm afraid you haven't realized for a week or so that the boy is in
politics, Lucretia. I've let him run to pasture with a pretty long cord
on him. He'll have to come in under the saddle now. We'll have one of
the young beaus from the Governor's staff on the lookout for you at the
hall. This fellow here"--he patted Harlan's arm--"he hasn't been broken
to the society bridle yet. He was allowing to me the other day that he
didn't propose to be, either."
Miss Presson had overheard.
Harlan, remembering, flashed a glance of rebuke and anger at the old
man. It was a shock to him to have his own sentiments thrust back at him
in that manner.
"We haven't found Mr. Harlan ungallant," protested Mrs. Presson. She
treated the matter in jest, though the young man's face did not indicate
that he especially appreciated the humor.
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