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.
“They’re talking of the coming campaign,” said Miss Wynn.
“What!” exclaimed Bles aloud. “You don’t mean that anyone can advise a black man to vote the Democratic ticket?”
An elderly man turned to them.
“Thank you, sir,” he said; “that is just my attitude; I fought for my freedom. I know what slavery is; may I forget God when I vote for traitors and slaveholders.”
The discussion waxed warm and Miss Wynn turned away and sought Miss Jones.