Part 28 (1/2)
”And you don't want an office, do you?”
”No.”
”You have no favors to ask for your friends, have you?”
”None whatever.”
”And you're Senator Winter's daughter?”
”Yes.”
”The old grizzly bear! He hates me--but I've always liked him----”
”I hope you'll always like him,” Betty quickly broke in.
”Of course I will. I've never cherished resentments. Life's too short, and the office I fill is too big for that. Do you know why I've sent for you?”
Betty smiled:
”To have me flatter you, of course. All men are vain. The greater the man, the greater his vanity.”
Again he laughed with every muscle of his face and body.
”Honestly--no, that's not the reason,” he said confidentially. ”I want you to accept a position in my Cabinet.”
”I didn't know that women were admitted?”
”They're not, but I've always been in favor of votes for women and I'm going to make a place for you.”
Betty's lips trembled with a smile:
”What's the salary?”
”No salary, save the eternal grat.i.tude of your Chief--will you accept?”
”I'll consider it--what duty?”
He looked steadily into her brown eyes:
”You have very bright, clear eyes, Miss Betty, I can see myself in them now more distinctly than in that mirror over the mantel. I'd like to borrow your eyes now and then to see things with. Will you accept the position?”
”If I can be of service, yes.”
”The White House is open to you at all hours, and I shall send for you sometimes when I'm blue and puzzled and want a pair of pure, beautiful, young eyes--you understand?”
Betty extended her hand and her voice trembled:
”You have conferred on me a very great honor, Mr. President.”
”For instance now,” he said dreamily: ”You endorse my Inaugural?”