At the end of the platform he ran squarely into Socola. He was about to
pass without recognition, stopped on an impulse, and extended his hand:
"Fine day, Signor!"
"Beautiful, M'sieur," was the smooth answer.
Dick hesitated.
"I'm afraid I was a little rude the other day?"
"No offense, I'm sure, Mr. Welford--"
"Of course, you can guess I'm in love with Miss Barton--"
"I hadn't speculated on that point!" Socola laughed.
"Well, I've been speculating about you--"
"Indeed?"
"Yes--and I'm going to be honest with you--I don't like you--we're
enemies from to-day. But I'll play the game fair and the best man
wins--"
The two held each other's eye steadily for a moment and Socola's white
teeth flashed.
"The best man wins, M'sieur!"
CHAPTER VIII
THE STORM CENTER
Socola hastened, through Jennie, to cultivate the acquaintance of
Senator Davis.
"You'll be delighted with Mrs. Davis, too," the girl informed him with
enthusiasm. "His second love affair you know--this time, late in life,
he married the young accomplished granddaughter of Governor Howell of
New Jersey. Their devotion is beautiful--"
The train had barely pulled out of the station before Socola found
himself in a delightful conversation with the Senator.
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