And, of course, I was glad to
meet him half-way. I have invited him to call at the State House, if he
cares to do so, though the hour is late. And now I come to the matter of
my business with you, Captain Sweetsir," stated the general, putting a
degree of official sanction on his garrulity in the case of this
subordinate. "If Mayor Morrison does come to the State House to-night, by
any chance, you may admit him."
"Did he say anything about coming?"
"Mayor Morrison understands that I am handling everything so tactfully
that an official visit by him might be considered a reflection on my
capability. His politeness equals mine, Captain. Undoubtedly he will not
trouble to come. If he should happen to call unofficially you will please
see to it that politeness governs."
"Yes, sir! But the other orders hold good, do they, politeness or no
politeness?"
"For mobs and meddling politicians, certainly! I put them all in the same
class in a time like this."
General Totten clucked a stuffy chuckle and clanked on his official way.
Captain Sweetsir heard a sound that was as fully exasperating as the click
of dice; somebody, somewhere in the dimly lighted rotunda, was snoring.
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