The Gilded Age


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postscript that was brimming with delight over the prospect of seeing the  
Duchess again. He said it would be happiness enough to look upon her  
face once more--it would be almost too much happiness when to it was  
added the fact that she would bring messages with her that were fresh  
from Louise's lips.  
In Washington's letter were several important enclosures. For instance,  
there was the Senator's check for $2,000--"to buy suitable clothing in  
New York with!" It was a loan to be refunded when the Land was sold.  
Two thousand--this was fine indeed. Louise's father was called rich, but  
Laura doubted if Louise had ever had $400 worth of new clothing at one  
time in her life. With the check came two through tickets--good on the  
railroad from Hawkeye to Washington via New York--and they were  
"dead-head" tickets, too, which had been given to Senator Dilworthy by  
the railway companies. Senators and representatives were paid thousands  
of dollars by the government for traveling expenses, but they always  
traveled "deadhead" both ways, and then did as any honorable, high-minded  
men would naturally do--declined to receive the mileage tendered them by  
the government. The Senator had plenty of railway passes, and could.  
easily spare two to Laura--one for herself and one for a male escort.  
Washington suggested that she get some old friend of the family to come  
with her, and said the Senator would "deadhead" him home again as soon  
as  
he had grown tired, of the sights of the capital. Laura thought the  
thing over. At first she was pleased with the idea, but presently she  
began to feel differently about it. Finally she said, "No, our staid,  
314  


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