"In other words, you will do a dirty trick for me if I undertake to convince people that you are the soul of honor."
Gregg smiled also.
"There are always two ways of putting a thing. Why not call it a plain case of give and take? I want something and can pay for it."
"Not in any coin I have a use for," said Mornway, pushing back his chair.
Gregg hesitated; then he said: "Perhaps you don't mean to reappoint Fleetwood." The Governor was silent, and he continued: "If you do, don't kick me out a second time. I'm not threatening you—I'm speaking as a friend. Mrs. Mornway has been kind to my wife, and I'd like to help her."
The Governor rose, gripping his chair-back sternly. "You will be kind enough to leave my wife's name out of the discussion. I supposed you knew me well enough to know that I don't buy newspaper secrets at any price, least of all at that of the public money!"
Gregg, who had risen also, stood a few feet off, looking at him inscrutably.
"Is that final, Governor?"
"Quite final."
"Well, good evening, then."