But if it was not
restoration, it was no longer inaction, and it was at least a release
from Washington.
It was also evidently the result of some influence--but hardly that
of the Boompointers, for he knew that Susy wished to keep him at
the Capital. Was there another power at work to send him away from
Washington? His previous doubts returned. Nor were they dissipated when
the chief of the bureau placed a letter before him with the remark that
it had been entrusted to him by a lady with the request that it should
be delivered only into his own hands.
"She did not know your hotel address, but ascertained you were to call
here. She said it was of some importance. There is no mystery about it,
General," continued the official with a mischievous glance at Brant's
handsome, perplexed face, "although it's from a very pretty woman--whom
we all know."
"Mrs. Boompointer?" suggested Brant, with affected lightness.
It was a maladroit speech. The official's face darkened.
"We have not yet become a Postal Department for the Boompointers,
General," he said dryly, "however great their influence elsewhere. It
was from rather a different style of woman--Miss Faulkner. You will
receive your papers later at your hotel, and leave to-night.
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