I know that. Yes, the newspaper people were hoodwinked, too.
Then what happened? Eunice persisted. Theres no possible explanation but telepathy. Is there, now?
I dont know of any, Hendricks was forced to admit. After the excitement blows over a little, Ill try to speak with Mortimer again. Id like to know his opinion.
They sat in the car, looking at the hilarious crowds of people, most of whom seemed imbued with a wild desire to get to the hero of the hour and demand his secret.
Theres a man who looks like Tom Meredith, said Eunice, suddenly. By the way, Alvord, where do the Merediths stand in the matter of the club election?
Which of them?
Eitheror both. I suppose theyre on your sidethey never seemed to like Sanford much.
My dear Eunice, dont be so narrow-minded. Club men dont vote one way or another because of a personal like or dislikethey consider the good of the clubthe welfare of the organization.
Well, then, which side do they favor as being for the good of the club?
Ask Sanford.
Ohif you dont want to tell me.
Eunice looked provokingly pretty and her piquant face showed a petulant expression as she turned it to Hendricks.
Smile on me again and Ill tell you anything you want to know: if I know it myself.
A dazzling smile answered this speech, and Hendricks gaze softened as he watched her.
But youll have to ask me something else, for, alas, the brothers Meredith havent made a confidant of me.
Story-teller and Eunices dark eyes assumed the look of a roguish little girl. You cant fool me, Alvord; now tell me, and Ill invite you in to tea when we get home.
Im going in, anyway.
Not unless you tell me what I ask. Why wont you? Is it a secret? Pooh! Id just as lief ask Mr. Tom Meredith myself, if I could see him. Never mind, dont tell me, if you dont want to. Youre not my only confidential friend; there are others.
Who are they, Euny? I flattered myself I was your only really, truly intimate friendnot even excepting your husband!
Oh, what a naughty speech! If you werent Sanfords very good friend, Id never speak to you again!
I dont see how you two men can be friends, put in Aunt Abby, when youre both after that same presidency.
Thats the answer! Eunice laughed. Alvord is Sans greatest friend, because its going to be an easy thing for Sanford to win the election from him! If there were a more popular candidate in Alvords place, or a less popular one in Sanfords place, it wouldnt be such a walkover!
Youyou Hendricks looked at Eunice in speechless admiration. The dancing eyes were impudent, the red lips curved scornfully, and she made a daring little moue at him as she readjusted her black lace veil so that a heavy bit of its pattern covered her mouth.
What do you do that for? Move that darned flower, so I can see you talk!
She laughed then, and wrinkled her straight little nose until the veil billowed mischievously.
I wish youd take that thing off, Hendricks said, irritatedly; it annoys me.
And pray, sir, who are you, that I should shield you from annoyance? My veil is a necessary part of my costume.
Necessary nothing! Take it off, I tell you!
Merry Christmas! and Eunice gave him such a scornful shrug of her furred shoulders that Hendricks laughed out, in sheer enjoyment of her audacity.
Tell me about the Merediths, and Ill take off the offending veil, she urged, looking at him very coaxingly.
All right; off with it.
Slowly, and with careful deliberation, Eunice unpinned her veil, took it off and folded it in a small, compact parcel. This she put in her handbag, and then, with an adorable smile, said: Now!
You beautiful idiot, and Hendricks devoured her with his eyes. All I can tell you about the Merediths is, that I dont know anything about their stand on the election.
What do you guess, assume, surmise, imagine or predict? she teased, still fascinating him with her magnetic charm.
Well, I think this: theyre a little too old-timey to take up all my projects. But, on the other hand, theyre far from willing to subscribe to your husbands views. They do not approve of the Sunday-school atmosphere he wants to bring about, nor do they shut their eyes to the fact that the younger element must be considered.
Younger element! Do you call Sanford old?
No; hes only twenty-eight this minute. But there are a lot of new members even younger than that strange as it may seem! These boys want gayetyyea, even unto the scorned movies and the hilarious prize-fightsand as they are scions of the wealthy and aristocratic families of our little old town, I think we should consider them. And, since you insist on knowing, it is my firm belief, conviction andIm willing to addmy hope that the great and influential Meredith brothers agree with me! So there now, Madam Sanford Embury!
Thank you, Alvord; youre clear, at least. Do you think I could persuade them to come over to Sanfords side?
I think you could persuade the statue of Jupiter Ammon to climb down from his pedestal and take you to Coney Island, if you looked at him like that! But I also think that friend husband will not consent to your electioneering for him. It isnt done, my dear Eunice.
As if I cared what is done and what isnt, if I want to help Sanford.
Go ahead, then, fair lady; but remember that Sanford Embury stands for the conservative element in our club, and anything you might try to do by virtue of your blandishments or fascinations would be frowned upon and would react against your cause instead of for it. If I might suggest, my supporters, the younger set, thewellthe gayer set, would more readily respond to such a plan. Why dont you electioneer for me?
Eunice disdained to reply, and Aunt Abby broke into the discussion by exclaiming: Oh, Alvord, here comes Mr. Mortimer, and he has Mr. Hanlon with him!
Sure enough the two heroes of the day were walking toward the Hendricks car, which, still standing near the scene of Hanlons triumph, awaited a good chance for a getaway.
I wonder if you ladies wouldnt like to meet this marvel, began Mr. Mortimer, genially, and Aunt Abbys delight was convincing, indeed.
Eunice, too, greeted Mr. Hanlon cordially, and Hendricks held out a welcoming hand.
Tell us how you did it, he said, smiling into the intelligent face of the mysterious mind-reader.
You saw, he returned, simply, with a slight gesture of out-turned palms, as if to disavow any secrets.
Yes, I saw, said Hendricks, but with me, seeing is not believing.
Dont listen, Hanlon, Mr. Mortimer said, smiling a little resentfully. That sort of talk would go before the test, but not now. What do you mean, Hendricks, by not believing? Do you suspect me of complicity?
I do not, Mortimer. I believe you have been taken in with the rest, by a very clever trick. He looked sharply at Hanlon, who returned his gaze serenely. I believe this young man is unusually apt as a trickster, and I believe he hoodwinked the whole community. The fact that I cannot comprehend, or even guess how he did it, in no way disturbs my conviction that he did do it by trickery. I will change this opinion, however, if Mr. Hanlon will look me in the eye and assure me, on his honor, that he found the penknife by no other means or with no other influence to guide him than Mr. Mortimers will-power.