Chapter 26: XXV

XXV The Campaign Mr. Easterly sat in Mrs. Vanderpool’s apartments in the New Willard, Washington, drinking tea. His hostess was saying rather carelessly: “Do you know, Mr. Vanderpool has developed a quite unaccountable liking for the idea of being Ambassador to France?” “Dear me!” mildly exclaimed Mr. Easterly, helping himself liberally to cakes. “I do hope the thing can be managed, but—” “What are the difficulties?” Mrs. Vanderpool interrupted. “Well, first and foremost, the…