He met his son on the lad's own note of self-importance and connived with him to provoke her amusing impertinences.
Bassett imposed no restrictions upon Harwood's pencil, and this, too, was a novel experience.

His predecessors on the list of leaders in Hoosier politics had not been backward about making suggestions, but Bassett did not refer to Harwood's errand at all.

When Dan asked for photographs of Mrs.Bassett and the children with which to embellish his article, Bassett declined to give them with a firmness that ended the matter; but he promised to provide photographs of the house and grounds and of the Waupegan cottage and send them to Harwood in a day or two.
* * * * * Harwood gave to his sketch of Morton Bassett a care which he had not bestowed upon any of his previous contributions to the "Courier's" series of Hoosier statesmen.

He remained away from the law office two days the better to concentrate himself upon his task, and the result was a careful, straightforward article, into which he threw shadings of analysis and flashes of color that reflected very faithfully the impression made upon his mind by the senator from Fraser.

The managing editor complained of its sobriety and lack of anecdote.
"It's good, Harwood, but it's too damned solemn.