Be just.
Come and see me at your earliest possible moment.
Your own loving
Gertrude.
Gertrude's brave letter reached George before ten o'clock the next
morning, and greatly cheered him. He was never more occupied, but he
snatched a moment to say in reply:
Office of The Harrisville Iron & Steel Co.
_Dearest Peacemaker_,--
Glad for your heroic letter. It sings the peace-song of the angels.
I shall be guarded in my words and actions. Good things, I hope, will
result from all this terrible commotion. I confess I see only darkness
ahead, save as it is pierced by the light of your love.
We have a thousand men this morning building a fence eight feet high
around our works. It looks like war to the knife under the present
policy. Of course I can't say much till my opportunity comes, if it
ever does.
Believe me, darling Gertrude,
Wholly yours,
George.
The note was dispatched by special messenger. Its receipt and contents
gave comfort to Gertrude.
Colonel Harris left his breakfast table almost abruptly. One egg, a piece
of toast, and a cup of coffee were all he ate. It was an earlier meal
than usual which the Swiss cook had prepared, and by half past six
Colonel Harris started from home to his office, Gertrude from her chamber
window kissing her hand to him, saying, "Keep cool, father!"
By seven o'clock he and his capable manager were busily using the two
office telephones.
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