"You ought not to have asked him, Val. It isn't fair to him or to
father," answered Alice promptly. "People will talk. They will say
father is trying to influence him unfairly. I wish you hadn't
asked him till this fight is over."
"My dear Nora, does it matter in the least what people say?"
yawned Valencia behind her hand.
"Not to you because you consider yourself above criticism. But it
matters to me that two honest men should be brought into unjust
obloquy without cause."
"My dear Hothead, they are big enough to look out for themselves."
"Nobody is big enough to kill slander."
"Nonsense, child. You make a mountain out of a mole hill. People
WILL gossip. It really isn't of the least importance what they
gabble about."
"Especially when you want to amuse yourself by making a fool of
Mr. Farnum," retorted the downright Alice with a touch of
asperity.
Valencia already half regretted having asked him. The chances were
that he would prove a bore. But she did not choose to say so. "If
I'm treading on your preserves, dear," she ventured sweetly.
"That's ridiculous," flushed Alice. "I only suggested that you
wait till after the election before chaining him to your chariot
wheels.
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