" From the first, Linton
had seemed to aggravate his difficulties, politically and personally.
"Can you give me a few minutes of your time?" he asked, stiffly.
"If it's business, and important, yes," returned Harlan, scowling.
"I should not bother you with anything except business. And as this is
of a private nature, I must ask you to invite me to your room."
Harlan led the way to the elevator.
Linton did not remove his overcoat when they were closeted together. He
stood with hat in his hand.
"It may surprise you to learn that my business concerns Miss Presson and
the legislative ball to-morrow evening," began Linton, but Harlan
indignantly broke in.
"You can have no possible business with me, sir, in which Miss
Presson's name may be mentioned. Don't you use her name--not in any way.
Do you understand?"
"I understand this: I know what I'm talking about and exactly why I've
come here, and you're going to listen. Miss Presson has accepted your
escort to the ball to-morrow evening. Don't you know, Thornton, why you
can't take Madeleine Presson into public, this whole State looking on? I
hate to say any more than that.
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