"Could she pass?"
"Oh, they might think her Spanish."
"But it's a snobbish place and she would have to give up all her
friends."
"Yes, Freddie could scarcely visit--" 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.
"--Splendid draughtsman," a man was saying, "and passed at the head of
the crowd; but, of course, he has no chance."
"Why, it's civil-service, isn't it?"
"It is. But what of that? There was Watson--"
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."
"But--" 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:
"--I tell you, it's got to come. We must act independently and not be
bought by a few offices."
"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.
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