Certainly there had been a time when no politician of his party in the state nor in the nation would have ventured this; but it was evident the last ten years had made a difference in his position.

Elizabeth gazed up fearfully into her father's face.

What did this mean; was it merely a subterfuge on the governor's part to avoid a painful interview?
Perhaps, after all, it would have been better had she remained at the hotel.

Her father read her thoughts.
"It's all right--be brave!" he whispered.

He turned to the servant.
"Will you kindly learn for me at what hour the governor will be at liberty ?" he said stiffly.
"Oh, he must see us!" cried Elizabeth, the moment they were alone.
"Of course he must, and he will," the general said.
But the governor's refusal to see them at once rankled within him.