Yes, he did. The house committee ignored it. When they saw the afternoon papers they condoned it. And yet all that the newspapers said was that Grace Goodchild and Hendrik Rutgers were not married.
And they blame the papers for inaccuracy.
H. R. knew that he must make his love for Grace plausible, and his determination to marry her persistent and picturesque.
His concern was with the public. He therefore called up Grace on the telephone. At the other end they wished to know who was speaking. He replied, "Tell Frederick to come to the telephone at once!"
Frederick responded.
"Are you there?" asked H. R., after the fashion of Frederick's compatriots. "Frederick, go instantly to Miss Grace and tell her to come to the telephone on a matter of life and death. It's Mr. Rutgers. Don't mention my name."
This wasn't one of Frederick's few duties when he deigned to accept employment in the Goodchild household. But H. R. expected to be obeyed. Therefore he was obeyed.
"Yes, sir; very good, sir," said Frederick, proud to act as Mercury. He rushed off.
"Telephone, Miss Grace. He said it was a matter of life and death."
"Who is it? Another reporter?"