"
"You have a legal right to do that," said the governor, "but I
question your moral right."
"How so?" asked Mr. Acton.
"Supposing I had applied for an injunction to prevent you and a score
of others from trying to influence me to veto the bill?"
"That would have been foolish. No judge would have granted it."
"And why not?" said the governor sternly. "Were not all of you
engaged in 'peaceful picketing'? Why should not the working man have
the same right to persuade his fellows that you exerted to influence
me?"
Mr. Acton had not exhausted his argument: "But the probable
destruction of property and possible loss of life?"
"Matters fully covered by law," the Governor replied. "They are under
the jurisdiction of the police, the sheriff, and, if need be, the
militia."
Mr. Acton, despite the argument advanced, "was of the same opinion
still."
Quincy rang for the messenger, who appeared.
"I am going now. Does any one wish to see me?"
"There's a young lady outside. She's been waiting some time."
Quincy looked at his watch. It was quarter past two.
"Admit her, at once."
Maude began the conversation. "I received your astonishing telegram,
Quincy, and was here _on time_," and she emphasized the final words.
"What does it mean? Is Alice sick?"
Quincy took the cue. "Not exactly sick, but she wants to see you very
much, and I felt so sure you would come to please her, that I ignored
your refusal to accept an invitation from me.
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