"I took Runnels and Wade
and Kimble and the others that you liked and forced them up with
you, so you'd have an organization that couldn't be pulled down."
"Did--did you do all that?"
"I did more. I broke with Alfarez because of what his son did to
you. I juggled the politics of this country, I threw him over and
took Garavel--Garavel! My God! What a mockery! But I won't let
you--I won't let that girl spoil my work." Her voice trailed off
in a kind of rasping whisper. She struggled a moment for
composure, then went on: "It was I who promoted you to Runnels'
position--he'll tell you that. It was I who put ideas of
advancement into his head. I fostered this quarrel between Jolson
and the Superintendent, and I've used Runnels to break trail for
you. Why? Ask yourself why! Oh, Kirk," she cried, "you mustn't
marry that girl! I'll make you a great man!"
"You seem to forget Cortlandt," he said, dully.
She gave a scornful laugh. "You needn't bring Stephen in. He
doesn't count. I doubt if he'd even care. Our marriage amounts to
nothing--nothing. You'd better consider ME, and the sacrifice I'm
willing to make."
"I'm not going to listen to you," he cried. "I suppose I've been a
fool, but this must end right here."
"You can't marry that girl," she reiterated, hysterically.
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