Trollop."
"I judged so. What can I do for you?"
"You know my bill--the Knobs University bill?"
"Ah, I believe it is your bill. I had forgotten. Yes, I know the bill."
"Well, would you mind telling me your opinion of it?"
"Indeed, since you seem to ask it without reserve, I am obliged to say
that I do not regard it favorably. I have not seen the bill itself, but
from what I can hear, it--it--well, it has a bad look about it. It--"
"Speak it out--never fear."
"Well, it--they say it contemplates a fraud upon the government."
"Well?" said Laura tranquilly.
"Well! I say 'Well?' too."
"Well, suppose it were a fraud--which I feel able to deny--would it be
the first one?"
"You take a body's breath away! Would you--did you wish me to vote for
it? Was that what you wanted to see me about?"
"Your instinct is correct. I did want you--I do want you to vote for
it."
"Vote for a fr--for a measure which is generally believed to be at least
questionable? I am afraid we cannot come to an understanding, Miss
Hawkins."
"No, I am afraid not--if you have resumed your principles, Mr. Trollop."
"Did you send for we merely to insult me? It is time for me to take my
leave, Miss Hawkins."
"No-wait a moment. Don't be offended at a trifle. Do not be offish and
unsociable. The Steamship Subsidy bill was a fraud on the government.
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