United States or Andorra ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
The strike went its way, characterized by an infinity of petty outrages and a constant and consistent vilification of Peter Rathbawne, while with the exception of that first and promptly quashed protest on the part of the press no voice was raised in opposition.
For if ever there was a band of devils made incarnate, it was that same fifteen who were sowing anarchy broadcast through the Rathbawne Mills! "Now what? Lo and behold, they are all henchmen and disciples of Michael McGrath, whom we in Kenton City know to our cost, and regular and loyal members save the mark! of his Union.
For a moment, he strove to realize whence the light had come, and in what consisted this sovereign ally, hitherto uncalculated, of his optimism. As he tracked his thought, it led him undeviatingly back to its direct inspiration, the words of Natalie Rathbawne. "Before your fears come true" she had said. Before his fears came true well, what?
In the open spaces of water between the lily-pads the fat indolent gold-fish mouthed at the crumbs, stirring the silence with little sucking sounds, and sending tiny ripples widening on all sides. One alone, dingy yellow in color, moped apart from his fellows, and took no interest in the banquet. "That one's a cynic," said Miss Rathbawne presently.
His attention, long absorbed by the problem in hand, was diverted by a tap on the ante-room door, and, in answer to his call, Natalie Rathbawne stood before him, smiling out of the exquisite daintiness of a fresh spring frock. "You've forgotten!" she said immediately, at sight of his knit brows. "Forgotten what?" inquired the Governor inadvisedly.
To be thus chosen was to be admittedly the most immaculate of thirty men, all more immaculate than a thousand immaculate others. The thing was not easy of achievement, but Dorothy Rathbawne was to be present at the review, and so there was no second way about it it simply had to be done. Young Nisbet's way of doing it was an absolutely new uniform and gold-plated buttons and accoutrements.
As he turned into the Rathbawnes' gateway, he could have laughed aloud for very lightness of heart. His optimism was not even impaired by running, in the hall, full against Mrs. Rathbawne. "Good gracious! Lieutenant-Governor, is that you?" Repeated and earnest endeavor on Barclay's part had never dissuaded her from this form of address.
"And I've been thinking," he added, "that perhaps that perhaps" "That perhaps what?" asked the junior Miss Rathbawne, leaning forward in hers. "If I don't have tea instantly," said her mother, with profound conviction, as she came ponderously through the portières, tugging at her gloves, "I shall expire! How de do, Mr. Nisbet. Do sit up straight, Dorothy, my dear."
Without for an instant losing the Lieutenant-Governor's eye, Rathbawne reached out and touched his daughter on the arm. "Oh, Dad!" she said reproachfully. "There's no need for her to go, sir," added Barclay, "unless you wish it. I bring only good news."
I may add that if it is, indeed, Governor Abbott's resolve that I am to deal, in his stead, with the question of your proposed strike, you may confidently rely upon having to put the entire state force of Alleghenia out of business before you can even so much as begin to bully Peter Rathbawne into submission!"
Word Of The Day