Carolina had come to find out from Haines, if possible, how her father was going to vote on the naval base and to induce the secretary to persuade him to stand for Altacoola--if there seemed danger that he would vote for another site. That was her scheme, for Carolina had put $25,000 into Altacoola land--money left by her mother. Norton had persuaded Carolina to invest in the enterprise to defraud the Government, promising her $50,000 clear profit. How much she could do in Washington society with that!
The continued uncertainty over her father's final attitude had strained her nerves almost to the breaking, for the success of the conspiracy depended on his vote. Not even the words of Norton, her future husband, could reassure her. Her worry was increased by the knowledge of Randolph's investment of her father's $50,000.
That Carolina must sacrifice Haines on the altar of her consuming desire for money, for a higher worldly position, was an unimportant consideration. He stood in the way. Any moment he might discover the existence of the Altacoola scheme, he would immediately tell her father, and she knew her father would immediately decide against Altacoola--the bright hopes of her future would turn to ashes. Norton's money as well was invested in Altacoola. He, too, would be ruined. She was sure that she loved Norton, but she could not marry a penniless man.
"It isn't anything so very important, Mr. Haines. It's about father."
"I have the honor to report, Miss Langdon," he bowed, "that your father is making the very best kind of a Senator."
"Yes; he might, if he had some ambition."
"Don't worry! If it comes down to that, I have ambition for two. You want him to be a success, don't you? Well, he is the biggest kind of a success."
"I never believed that he would be," confessed the daughter.
"Why, do you realize that to-day he is one of the most popular men in public life throughout the country; that 'What does Langdon think?' has become the watchword of the big body of independents who want honesty and decent government without graft?
"I tell you that's a big thing, Miss Langdon. That's success--real success in politics, especially in Washington politics.
"Now, if there's anything else you want him to have, I'll see that he gets it I'll try to get it for him"--he paused a minute, then added, with heartfelt meaning in his voice--"and for you, Miss Langdon."