a railroad or an opera house, or whatever she wanted--at least they'd

promise."

Harry had a way of looking at women as he looked at anything else in the

world he wanted, and he half resolved to appropriate Miss Laura, during

his stay in Hawkeye. Perhaps the Colonel divined his thoughts, or was

offended at Harry's talk, for he replied,

"No nonsense, Mr. Brierly. Nonsense won't do in Hawkeye, not with my

friends. The Hawkins' blood is good blood, all the way from Tennessee.

The Hawkinses are under the weather now, but their Tennessee property is

millions when it comes into market."

Of course, Colonel. Not the least offense intended. But you can see

she is a fascinating woman. I was only thinking, as to this

appropriation, now, what such a woman could do in Washington. All

correct, too, all correct. Common thing, I assure you in Washington; the

wives of senators, representatives, cabinet officers, all sorts of wives,

and some who are not wives, use their influence. You want an

appointment? Do you go to Senator X? Not much. You get on the right

side of his wife. Is it an appropriation? You'd go 'straight to the

Committee, or to the Interior office, I suppose? You'd learn better than

that. It takes a woman to get any thing through the Land Office: I tell

you, Miss Laura would fascinate an appropriation right through the Senate

and the House of Representatives in one session, if she was in

Washington, as your friend, Colonel, of course as your friend."

200

The Gilded Age