There was henceforward a look of more positive pleasure and cordiality on her face when he made his appearance wherever she might be; and the next time he suggested a horseback excursion she instantly agreed to go, although aware that she had promised a younger gentleman of the diplomatic body to be at home that same afternoon, and the good fellow swore polyglot oaths on being turned away from her door.
Mr.Ratcliffe knew nothing of this conspiracy against his peace and prospects.

Even if he had known it, he might only have laughed, and pursued his own path without a second thought.

Yet it was certain that he did not think Carrington's enmity a thing to be overlooked, and from the moment of his obtaining a clue to its cause, he had begun to take precautions against it.

Even in the middle of the contest for the Treasury, he had found time to listen to Mr.Wilson Keens report on the affairs of the late Samuel Baker.
Mr.Keen came to him with a copy of Baker's will and with memoranda of remarks made by the unsuspecting Mrs.Baker; "from which it appears," said he, "that Baker, having no time to put his affairs in order, left special directions that his executors should carefully destroy all papers that might be likely to compromise individuals." "What is the executor's name ?" interrupted Ratcliffe.
"The executor's name is--John Carrington," said Keen, methodically referring to his copy of the will.
Ratcliffe's face was impassive, but the inevitable, "I knew it," almost sprang to his lips.

He was rather pleased at the instinct which had led him so directly to the right trail.
Keen went on to say that from Mrs.Baker's conversation it was certain that the testator's directions had been carried out, and that the great bulk of these papers had been burned.
"Then it will be useless to press the inquiry further," said Ratcliffe; "I am much obliged to you for your assistance," and he turned the conversation to the condition of Mr.Keen's bureau in the Treasury department.
The next time Ratcliffe saw Mrs.Lee, after his appointment to the Treasury was confirmed, he asked her whether she did not think Carrington very well suited for public service, and when she warmly assented, he said it had occurred to him to offer the place of Solicitor of the Treasury to Mr.
Carrington, for although the actual salary might not be very much more than he earned by his private practice, the incidental advantages to a Washington lawyer were considerable; and to the Secretary it was especially necessary to have a solicitor in whom he could place entire confidence.