She thought only of his danger, and she felt a sort of compassion for him as she reflected on the possible consequences of a great, absorbing love at his time of life.
Her conscience was a little uneasy; but of herself she never thought.
Yet it is a historical fact that elderly senators have had a curious fascination for young and handsome women.

Had they looked out for themselves too?
And which parties most needed to be looked after?
When Madeleine and her sister arrived at Welckley's 's the next Saturday evening, they found poor Schneidekoupon in a temper very unbecoming a host.
"He won't come! I told you he wouldn't come!" said he to Madeleine, as he handed her into the house.

"If I ever turn communist, it will be for the fun of murdering a senator." Madeleine consoled him gently, but he continued to use, behind Mr.
Clinton's back, language the most offensive and improper towards the Senate, and at last, ringing the bell, he sharply ordered the head waiter to serve dinner.
At that very moment the door opened, and Senator Ratcliffe's stately figure appeared on the threshold.

His eye instantly caught Madeleine's, and she almost laughed aloud, for she saw that the Senator was dressed with very unsenatorial neatness; that he had actually a flower in his burton-hole and no gloves! After the enthusiastic description which Schneidekoupon had given of Mrs.
Lee's charms, he could do no less than ask Senator Ratcliffe to take her in to dinner, which he did without delay.

Either this, or the champagne, or some occult influence, had an extraordinary effect upon him.