And that was settled.
Richard, not so much because of an interest,--if truth were told his thoughts went running away to Dorothy, and must be continually yanked back by the ear to topics common and earthly,--but for the sake of something to say, asked Senator Hanway about the committee of three selected to investigate Northern Consolidated.
"You know, the business came up because of my letters in the _Daily Tory_," observed Richard, by way of excuse for his curiosity.
The investigation was progressing slowly.

It was secret; no part of the evidence could be given out.

It would not join with senatorial propriety to let anything be known for publication.
"In a semi-judicial inquiry of this sort," explained Senator Hanway, in tones of patronizing dignity, "one of your discernment will recognize the impropriety, as well as the absolute injustice, of foreshadowing in any degree the finding of the committee.

For yourself, however, I don't mind saying that the evidence, so far, is all in favor of Northern Consolidated.

The company will emerge with a clean bill of health--clean as a whistle! The committee's finding," concluded Senator Hanway musingly, "will be like a new coat of paint to the road.