"Time is not measured by the tick of a clock," Norton interrupted, "but by what we've lived."
"Yes, yes, we know you've had a great shock in the death of your wife, but you must remember that the people—a million people—are calling you to lead them. It's a solemn duty. Don't say no now. Take a little time and you'll see that it's the work sent to you at the moment you need it most. I won't take no for an answer——"
He put on his hat and started to the door:
"I'll just report to the Committee that I notified you and that you have the matter under consideration."
Before Norton could enter a protest the politician had gone.
His decision was instantly made. This startling event revealed the hopelessness of life under its present conditions. He would leave the South. He would put a thousand miles between him and the scene of the events of the past year. He would leave his home with its torturing memories.
Above all, he would leave the negroid conditions that made his shame possible and rear his boy in clean air.