Mr.
Everett is to declare that under the circumstances he does not wish to
stand in the way of popular choice, and he is to announce that much and
present me to the convention. I assure you, Mr. Everett, that I ask this
last with no intent of wounding your feelings or indulging in cheap
triumph--it is necessary in order that the mouths of political gossips
may be shut."
A rather stupid silence followed that declaration of programme. The
voice of the Senator rose and fell without.
The General met their staring eyes calmly. "It may be a rather
surprising development of the convention," he said. "But as soon as the
surprise is over it will commend itself as a perfectly natural and
graceful concession to public opinion--as public opinion can be set in
motion by the members of the State Committee on the floor of the
convention. In fact, the plan commended itself to my friend Thelismer,
here, and Chairman Presson some weeks ago."
The State chairman was stirred as though galvanically by that statement.
The bitter memory of how he had groomed the dark horse that was now
kicking his master's political brains out rose in him.
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