They heard a light step on the stair, and the two editors looked up expecting to see some one of the ordinary chance visitors to a newspaper office. Instead it was the Secretary, Mr. Sefton, a conciliatory smile on his face and a hand outstretched ready for the customary shake.
"You are surprised to see me, Mr. Winthrop," he said, "but I trust that I am none the less welcome. I am glad, too, to find so many good men whom I know and some of whom I have met before on this very evening. Good-evening to you all, gentlemen."
He bowed to every one. Winthrop looked doubtfully at him as if trying to guess his business.
"Anything private, Mr. Sefton?" he said "If so we can step into the next room."
"Not at all! Not at all!" replied the Secretary, spreading out his fingers in negative style. "There is nothing that your friends need not hear, not even our great cavalry leader, General Wood. I was passing after a late errand, and seeing your light it occurred to me that I might come up to you and speak of some strange gossip that I have been hearing in Richmond."
All now listened with the keenest interest. They saw that the wily Secretary had not come on any vague errand at that hour of the morning.
"And may I ask what is the gossip?" said Winthrop with a trace of defiance in his tone.
"It was only a trifle," replied the Secretary blandly; "but a friend may serve a friend even in the matter of a trifle."
He paused and looked smilingly around the expectant circle. Winthrop made an impatient movement. He was by nature one of the most humane and generous of men, but fiery and touchy to the last degree.
"It was merely this," continued the Secretary, "and I really apologize for speaking of it at all, as it is scarcely any business of mine, but they say that you are going to print a fierce attack on the Government."