"True," said he, "in the last twelve years I have three times
sought to get back into Washington! Perhaps it would have been
more seemly for me to remain in the decreed dignified retirement."
They joined in a laugh at this, as they both drew up chairs at the
table side.
"You see," resumed the last speaker, "I am not indeed intruding
here in national affairs, but only choose Washington for to-night.
I have been thinking of a pleasure journey into the West, down the
Ohio River--"
"Will you have snuff?" began his companion. "This is no import, I
assure you, but is made by one of my old darkeys, on my plantation
in Kentucky. He declares he puts nothing into it but straight
leaf."
"My soul!" exclaimed the other, sneezing violently. "I suspect the
veracity of your darkey. It is red pepper that he uses!"
"All the better, then, to clear our minds, my dear Sir. But let me
first send for another product of my state, to assuage these
pains." He beckoned to a servant, who presently, returned with
tray and glasses.
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