Before long, the whole table was listening to what he had to say.

When the ladies had withdrawn, there was political talk, in which Peter was much more a listener, but it was from preference rather than ignorance.

One of the men, a wholesale dealer in provisions, spoke of the new governor's recommendation for food legislation.
"The leaders tell me that the legislature will do something about it," Peter said.
"They'll probably make it worse," said Mr.Avery.
"Don't you think it can be bettered ?" asked Peter.
"Not by politicians." "I'm studying the subject," Peter said.

"Will you let me come down some day, and talk with you about it ?" "Yes, by all means.

You'd better call about lunch hour, when I'm free, and we can talk without interruption." Peter would much have preferred to go on discussing with the men, when they all joined the ladies, but Mrs.Purple took him off, and placed him between two women.