Can I resign now on such a ground as this ?" And Madeleine was obliged to agree that he could not.

She had no means of knowing how many removals he made in his own interest, or how far he had outwitted the President at his own game.

He stood before her a victim and a patriot.

Every step he had taken had been taken with her approval.

He was now in office to prevent what evil he could, not to be responsible for the evil that was done; and he honestly assured her that much worse men would come in when he went out, as the President would certainly take good care that he did go out when the moment arrived.
Mrs.Lee had the chance now to carry out her scheme in coming to Washington, for she was already deep in the mire of politics and could see with every advantage how the great machine floundered about, bespattering with mud even her own pure garments.