At the end of the short corridor was the office of the Executive
Secretary and his stenographer from which, through an opening hung
with portieres, one passed into the general reception room where the
faithful messenger stood guard, authorized to learn the business of
each new-comer.
The private secretary had opened the mail and had assorted it as
"ordinary," "important," and "most important." For an hour the
Governor dictated steadily, and it would take several hours' clicking
of the typewriter before the letters and documents were ready for his
signature.
The waiting-room was now filled with persons desiring audience with
his Excellency. A well-known city lawyer and ward politician was the
first to enter.
"Good-morning, Guv'nor."
The Governor arose, came forward, and extended his hand. "Good-
morning, Mr. Nutting."
"Are you going to send in the names of the Industrial Expansion
Committee to-day?"
"I have intended to do so."
"Well, I want to say a good word for Mr. Collingwood. He is promoting
a company to develop water power on the Upper Connecticut above
Holyoke. He is a client of mine, and I can vouch for his business
ability and his desire to improve and increase our manufacturing
facilities."
The Governor was silent for a time. He was busily thinking. No doubt
this Mr. Collingwood was concerned financially, indirectly if not
directly, in the proposed company he was promoting, and perhaps Mr.
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