him--make fortunes. He can still speak occasionally and get all
the applause he wants. Joshua loves applause."

The old lady was watching her narrowly.

"Don't you think I'm right, Grandma? I'm telling you because I
want your opinion."

"Will he do it?"

Margaret laughed easily. "He's afraid of me. If I manage him well
he'll do whatever I wish. I can make him realize he has no right
to deprive myself and him of the advantages of my station."

"Um--um," said the old lady, half to herself. "Yes--yes--perhaps.
Um--um--"

"He will be much more content once he's settled in the new line.
Politics as an end is silly--what becomes of the men who stick to
it? But politics as a means is sensible, and Joshua has got out of
it about all he can get--about all he needs."

"He hopes to be President."

"So do thousands of other men. And even if he should get it how
would we live--how would _I_ live--while we were waiting--and
after it was over? I detest politics--all those vulgar people."
Margaret made a disdainful mouth. "It isn't for our sort of
people--except, perhaps, the diplomatic posts, and they, of
course, go by 'pull' or purchase. I like the life I've led--the