"He's out, then?" and General Herbert wheeled on the man.
"Yes, but he's expected back any moment, sir."
"It will be all right," her father again assured Elizabeth, speaking with forced cheerfulness when they were alone.
Ten—twenty minutes slipped by; minutes that were infinitely precious, then a step sounded in the hall. It was the servant who entered the room, however. He came to say that a message had that moment been received from the governor; he was detained at the capitol, and probably would not reach home before five o'clock.
"Does he say he will see us there?" asked the general.
"He didn't mention you, sir; perhaps he has forgotten, but I thought you'd wish to know."
"Thank you." The general turned to his daughter. "I think we'd better go to the capitol."
The carriage was still at the door and they hurried out to it and were whirled across town. As they came to a stand before the capitol, General Herbert, without waiting for Elizabeth, sprang out and strode into the building and up the familiar stairs to the executive chambers. The door of the outer office stood open. A colored janitor was sweeping the room.
"Who you want, boss?" he asked, stopping his work and leaning on the handle of his broom.
"The governor—where is he?" demanded the general.