The vilest manners I've seen in three
generations of Washington life. And what vanity, what assumptions!
The first time I met him he lectured me as if I were a schoolgirl
--lectured me about the idle, worthless life he said I lead. I
decided not to recognize him next time I saw him. Up he came, and
without noticing that I did not speak he poured out such insults
that I was answering him before I realized it."
"He certainly is a most exasperating person."
"So Western! The very worst the West ever sent us. I don't
understand how he happened to get about among decent people. Oh, I
remember, it was Grant Arkwright who did it. Grant picked him up
on one of his shooting trips."
"He is insufferable," said Branch.
"You must see that the President gets rid of him. I want it done
at once. I assure you, John, my alarm is not imaginary. Margaret
is very young, has a streak of sentimentality in her. Besides, you
know how weak the strongest women are before a determined assault.
If the other sex wasn't brought up to have a purely imaginary fear
of them I don't know what would become of the world."
Branch smiled appreciatively but absently. "The same is true of
men," said he.
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