Quincy bethought himself of the message he had to deliver and made a
hurried departure, first inviting the Doctor to dine with him the
next day. On his return to the Beacon Street house, he found his
father at home reading an evening paper.

"Quincy, I see that you vetoed that railroad bill."

"Yes, I did. I saw no reason why public property should be given to a
private corporation without compensation."

"The public would be compensated indirectly. I am a large stockholder
in the railroad, and, to speak plainly, I drew that bill myself. I
met Senator Downing and he says the bill will be passed over your
veto."

"I cannot help that, father. I did my duty as I saw it. If the bill
becomes a law without my signature, I cannot be blamed for future
developments."

The Hon. Nathaniel dropped the subject. "Quincy, I have purchased a
house in the country and shall go there in a few days. Won't you and
your wife pay us a short visit?"

"Certainly, we will. We are going to Fernborough for a few days and
then will drop in on you, before we go to Nantucket."

By the look on his father's face Quincy knew that he was
disappointed. The Hon. Nathaniel never liked "to play second fiddle."
Quincy hastened to rectify his mistake. "We can put it the other way
round, just as well. We'll come and see you before we go to