The ladies rose. Said the elder lady viciously: "You are unworthy, sir, to represent your great country. You are a common scoffer."
"General Schenck represents my country, madam."
"You are unworthy of being associated with a great Cause. We have wasted our time upon you."
Their departure was less dignified than their entry.
As they left the room another visitor arrived. It was a tall and handsome man, with a full flowing beard and a genial presence.
He had a loud voice and a commanding manner.
"Mr. Beck? I thought so. I wrote to you yesterday, Mr. Beck. And I am come in person—in person, sir—for your reply."
"You air the gentleman, sir, interested in the orphan children of a colonial bishop?"
"No, sir, I am not. Nothing of the kind."
"Then you air perhaps the gentleman who wrote to say that unless I sent him a ten-pound note by return of post he would blow out his brains?"