‚ÄúYes, Freddie could scarcely visit‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù the rest was lost.
“Which, being interpreted,” whispered Miss Wynn, “means that Bryn Mawr draws the color line while we at times surmount it.”
They moved on to another group.
‚Äú‚ÅÝ‚ÄîSplendid draughtsman,‚Äù a man was saying, ‚Äúand passed at the head of the crowd; but, of course, he has no chance.‚Äù
“Why, it’s civil-service, isn’t it?”
‚ÄúIt is. But what of that? There was Watson‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù
Miss Wynn did not pause. She whispered: “This is the tale of Civil Service Reform, and how this mighty government gets rid of black men who know too much.”
‚ÄúBut‚ÅÝ‚Äî‚Äù Bles tried to protest.
“Hush,” Miss Wynn commanded and they joined the group about the piano. Teerswell, who was speaking, affected not to notice them, and continued:
‚Äú‚ÅÝ‚ÄîI tell you, it‚Äôs got to come. We must act independently and not be bought by a few offices.‚Äù
“That’s all well enough for you to talk, Teerswell; you have no wife and babies dependant on you. Why should we who have sacrifice the substance for the shadow?”
“You see, the Judge has got the substance,” laughed Teerswell. “Still I insist: divide and conquer.”
“Nonsense! Unite, and keep.”
Bles was puzzled.