And I'm going to do it, Jane Hastings!''
For the first time she had an interest in him other than that of
conquest. ``Just what are you going to do?'' she asked.
``Not upset everything and tear everything to pieces, as Victor
Dorn wants to do,'' replied he. ``But reform the abuses and
wrongs--make it so that every one shall have a fair chance--make
politics straight and honest.''
This sounded hazy to her. ``And what will you get out of it?''
asked she.
He colored and was a little uneasy as he thus faced a direct
demand for his innermost secret--the secret of selfishness he
tried to hide even from himself. But there was no evading; if he
would interest her he must show her the practical advantages of
his proposal. ``If I'm to do any good,'' said he, putting the
best face, and really not a bad face, upon a difficult and
delicate matter--``if I'm to do any good I must win a commanding
position--must get to be a popular leader--must hold high
offices--and--and--all that.''
``I understand,'' said she. ``That sounds attractive. Yes,
David, you ought to make a career. If I were a man that's the
career I'd choose.''
``You can choose it, though you're a woman,'' rejoined he.
``Marry me, and we'll go up together. You've no idea how
exciting campaigns and elections are. A little while, and you'll
be crazy about it all. The women are taking part, more and
more.''
``Who's Victor Dorn?'' she suddenly asked.
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