"You are Henry S. Porter, I believe?" There was an accusing quality in the voice.
"Yes, suh."
"The father of Lily Porter who has instituted a suit against my—against Hayward Graham?" The tone was more accusing.
"Yes, suh." Black Henry wished the suit hadn't been instituted. But he remembered again he had been sent for and he braced up a little.
"Now what is the nature of that suit?" The President was somewhat in fear of his own question, for all his bravado of manner.
"Breach o' promise," Henry answered shortly.
"Anything else?"
"Nothin' but breach o' promise to my daughter Lily. He was engaged to her and married your daughter, or was already married to her, I don' know which."
For five seconds a murderous passion all but got control of Mr. Phillips' will. He turned away and closed his eyes tight till he had subdued it.
"What evidence have you that he was engaged to your daughter?"