The reception-room was empty,
the private secretary was not on duty, the messenger of the Governor and
of the Executive Council had been informed by Governor North that his
services would not be required for the rest of the evening.
Being both adjutant-general and brother-in-law, Totten did not bother to
knock.
The Governor was at his broad table in the center of the room; the big
chandelier above the table was ablaze, and the shadows of the grooves on
North's face were accentuated. He was staring at the opening door with an
expectancy that had been fully apprised as to the caller's identity, and
he was not cordial. "You make a devilish noise lugging that meat-cleaver
around, Amos. What's the use of all the full-dress nonsense?"
"Official example _and_"--the general bore down hard on the
conjunction--"the absolute necessity of a civilian officer getting into
uniform when he exercises authority. I know human nature!"
"All right! Maybe you do. But don't trip yourself up with that sword and
fall down and break your neck," advised the Governor, satirically
solicitous as one of the family. "Anything stirring down-stairs?"
"The situation is being handled perfectly.
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