human
I was very glad to make your acquaintance, Mr. Mavick, said Henderson, cordially.
gpt
I have known of you for a long time.
human
Yes? I've been in the employ of the government for some time.
gpt
And I suppose it pays pretty well,
human
Oh, extravagantly, Mavick rejoined, in the same spirit.
gpt
You just about get your board and clothes out of government. Your washing is another thing. You are expected, you know, to have your washing done where you vote.
human
Well, it's a sure thing.
gpt
Yes, till you are turned out. You know the theory at Washington is that virtue is its own reward. Tom Fakeltree says it's enough.
human
I wonder how he knows?
gpt
Observation, probably. Tom startled a dinner table the other day with the remark that when a man once gives himself up to the full enjoyment of a virtuous life, it seems strange to him that more people do not follow his example.
human
The trouble with the virtue of Washington is that it always wants to interfere with other people's business. Fellows like Tom are always hunting up mares' nests in order to be paid for breaking them up.
gpt
I can't say about Tom, rejoined Mavick.
human
I suppose it is necessary to live.
gpt
I suppose so. And that goes along with another proposition--that the successful have no rights which the unsuccessful are bound to respect. As soon as a man gets ahead, Henderson continued, with a tone of bitterness,
human
Yes, Mavick admitted;
gpt
It can't get through the Senate, said Henderson;
human
And managing,
gpt
Exactly. I can't be in Washington all the time. And I need to know what is going on every twenty-four hours from the inside. I can't rely on politicians or lobbyists.
human
Well, said Mr. Mavick, in his easiest manner,