Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-12-23
CHAPTER XXXVII.


l her face as soon as 1 entered the room, and
- her first few words confirmed it. Its no use,
Jim she declared. I've done my best, but there
isn't soul who will listen to me-
Good God!" murmured, and sat down on the
sofa.
There is not single in the Cabinet of the
slightest influence" she continued, who will take
this affair seriously. Lord Eshervile assured me
solemnly that the whole affair was absurd and inn
possible. Pollock declares that have been
brought to the brink of war with Germany twice
already, through treating her overtures with too
much suspicion. He is absolutely determined that
the mistake shall not be repeated
u How about the mass1ng OF troops on the French
frontier?" asked. co..
Ordinary maneuvers,'' Lady Dennisford said.
The whole proceeding is absolutely open
And the reception OF the Prince OF Normandy
by the Emperor"
An act of private courtesy. He ridcules the
idea of German interference in French politics.,
And the rifle union?"
If he believes in it at all he looks upon it simply
as social and patriotic club with which have
nothing to do He ridcules the idea of regarding it
force that could be utilized even in the event
of war.
merely a eRaee laa bsy
blind enough to believe that?"
He believes it most sincerely" Lady Dennisford
answered.
He will not stop the fleet going to Kiel?"
He almost lost his temper at the bare sugges-
ton" Lady Dennisford answered. The slight
hitch in the Morocco negotiations, he says, simply
owing to misunderstanding, which will be cleared
up in day two. -
Now ! understand" said, why on the
Continent they always speak of British diplomacy
with their tongues in their cheeks. To think that
hands Of men ike tbis Why, What can our secret ret
service be about?"
Il believe Lady Dennisford said that they
have lately been presenting disquietng
ports. But it is all of no use. Every member of
the Cabinet has got his back up. Lord Pollock says
that Germany's friendship is absolutely necessary
to just now, and his Cabinet determined to
secure it,
They will nuttered, Eat price. Lady
Dennisford you will excuse me, l know. l must
hurry back and see Guest,
What is there left for you to do?o
Heaven only knows!" l answered. am
afraid we are at the end of Our tether. If Guest
has yet another card up his sleeve, he has kept it
secret from l must see him at once,
You will let me hear from you soon?" she
begged as departed.
l." answered. But l shall come again-about
the situation
Guest was waiting for me in the little glass in
closure we called Office. He saw my news writ
ten in my face.
"She has fai1ed?' he murmured
"Utterly!'' l answered.
We were both silent for moment. The crises of
our fortunes had come; and for the first time
Guest falter. He removed his spectacles for mo-
ment, and there was despair in his eyes.
ITO think that we should have done so 1nuct-in
vain!" he muttered. If one could think of it,
there must be way out.
His head dropped for a moment, and glancng
up, | saw Hirsch's dark, inqusitive face watching
through the glass.
Put your spectacles and be careful" whis-
pered we being watched
Guest himself again in moment / stepped
out into the restaurant where few early luncheon
guests already arriving, and attended to my
duties well as could Hirsch and his wife were
at their usual table, and they presently
joined by Marx and two others of the committee
before whom | had appeared. They all carried
newspapers, and their conversation though con-
slant and animated always languished at my ap-