“Yes, I know,” said Caroline, “but it is the only way to send it where I want it to go, and I——”
At that moment the clicking of a key called Lieutenant Foray away.
“Excuse me,” he said, stepping quickly to his table.
Miss Mitford, who had never before been in a telegraph office, was very much mystified by the peremptory manner in which the officer had cut her short, but she had nothing to do but wait. Presently the message was transcribed, another messenger was called.
“Over to the Department, quick as you can go. They are waiting for it,” said Foray. “Now, what was it you wanted me to do, Miss Mitford?”
“Just to—to send a telegram,” faltered Caroline.
“It’s private business, is it not?” said Foray.
“Yes, it is strictly private.”
“Then you will have to get an order from——”
“That is what I thought,” said Caroline, “so here it is.”