One of the Assemblymen, a New York man, leaned over to his neighbour, and said: "That's Wilkinson." Whereupon, the others rose and bowed, and answered:
"We were told that he'd be here any minute now." And as if in confirmation of his words, the door suddenly opened, and Governor Beekman, with a light but hurried step, came into the room.
"I beg your pardon," he said, when he saw who was standing before him.
Leslie turned to him involuntarily, and half acknowledged his bow; then remembering, she quickly turned away, and looked at her father, fixedly.
The three men pressed forward at once, the chairman speaking.
"Governor," he said, "you understand why we're here. You've had a copy of the impeachment charges."
Beekman flushed.
"I received them in New York and came up as fast as I could," he answered, a little brusquely. "What can I do for you?"
"I beg your pardon, Governor Beekman, but I received this note from you and have obeyed it. Can you see us first?" asked Wilkinson.