Virginia stared straight ahead.

“If he is something of a man, Lige, he will not lose his temper with a woman.”

Captain Lige subsided.  And just then they came in sight of the house of the Presidents, with its beautiful portico and its broad wings.  And they turned in under the dripping trees of the grounds.  A carriage with a black coachman and footman was ahead of them, and they saw two stately gentlemen descend from it and pass the guard at the door.  Then their turn came.  The Captain helped her out in his best manner, and gave some money to the driver.

“I reckon he needn’t wait for us this time, Jinny,” said be.  She shook her head and went in, he following, and they were directed to the anteroom of the President’s office on the second floor.  There were many people in the corridors, and one or two young officers in blue who stared at her.  She passed them with her head high.

But her spirits sank when they came to the anteroom.  It was full of all sorts of people.  Politicians, both prosperous and seedy, full faced and keen faced, seeking office; women, officers, and a one-armed soldier sitting in the corner.  He was among the men who offered Virginia their seats, and the only one whom she thanked.  But she walked directly to the doorkeeper at the end of the room.  Captain Lige was beside her.

“Can we see the President?” he asked.

“Have you got an appointment?” said the old man.

“No.”

“Then you’ll have to wait your turn, sir,” he said, shaking his head and looking at Virginia.  And he added.  “It’s slow work waiting your turn, there’s so many governors and generals and senators, although the session’s over.  It’s a busy time, miss.”

Virginia went very close to him.

“Oh, can’t you do something?” she said.  And added, with an inspiration, “I must see him.  It’s a matter of life and death.”

She saw instantly, with a woman’s instinct, that these words had had their effect.  The old man glanced at her again, as if demurring.

“You’re sure, miss, it’s life and death?” he said.

“Oh, why should I say so if it were not?” she cried.

“The orders are very strict,” he said.  “But the President told me to give precedence to cases when a life is in question.  Just you wait a minute, miss, until Governor Doddridge comes out, and I’ll see what I can do for you.  Give me your name, please, miss.”

She remained standing where she was.  In a little while the heavy door opened, and a portly, rubicund man came out with a smile on his face.  He broke into a laugh, when halfway across the room, as if the memory of what he had heard were too much for his gravity.  The doorkeeper slipped into the room, and there was a silent, anxious interval.  Then he came out again.

“The President will see you, miss.”

Captain Lige started forward with her, but she restrained him.