Phineas
thought that he was even more haggard in appearance and aged than
when they two had met hardly three months since at Loughlinter. There
was no shaking of hands, and hardly any pretence at greeting. Mr.
Kennedy simply bowed his head, and allowed his visitor to begin the
conversation.
"I should not have come to you on such a day as this, Mr. Kennedy--"
"It is a day very unfitted for the affairs of the world," said Mr.
Kennedy.
"Had not the matter been most pressing in regard both to time and its
own importance."
"So the woman told me, and therefore I have consented to see you."
"You know a man of the name of--Slide, Mr. Kennedy?" Mr. Kennedy
shook his head. "You know the editor of the _People's Banner_?" Again
he shook his head. "You have, at any rate, written a letter for
publication to that newspaper."
"Need I consult you as to what I write?"
"But he,--the editor,--has consulted me."
"I can have nothing to do with that."
"This Mr. Slide, the editor of the _People's Banner_, has just been
with me, having in his hand a printed letter from you, which,--you
will excuse me, Mr.
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