Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-05-13
CHAPTER XXI.
Politics Under Cover.


II seemed quite correct for the
daughter of our secretary of state to
call to inquire for the health OF the
fair Sonora Yturrio, and to present the
compliments of Madam Calhoun, at
that time not in the city of Washing
ton. Matters went so smoothly that l
felt justified in suggesting a little
drive, and Sonora Yturrio had no hesi-
tation in accepting. Quite naturally
our stately progress finally brought us
close to the residence Of Miss Calhoun.
That lady suggested that, since the day
was warm, it might be we'll TO descend
and see if we might not find sherbet;
all Of which also seemed quite to the
wish of the lady from Mexico. The
ease and warmth of Mr.. Calhoun's
greeting to her were such that she soon
was we'll at home and chatting very
amiably. She spoke English with but
little hesitancy.
Lucrezia Yturrio, at that time not i'll
known in WaShngton's foreign colony,
was beautiful, in a sensuous, ripe way.
packed in masses above an oval fore
head. Her brows were straight, dark
and delicate: her teeth white and
strong; her lips red and full; her chin
well curved and deep. A round arm
and taper hand controlled most art
full fan.
Mr.. Calhoun expressed great surprise
and qualification that mere chance had
enabled him to meet the wife Of gen.
tleman so distinguished in the diplo-
matte service as Senor Yturrio.
I'VE are especially glad always to
hear our friends from the south
west" said he. at last, with slight ad-
dition of formality in tone and attitude.
At these words l saw my lady's eyes
flicker. 1T is fate, senor," said she,
again casting down her eyes, and
spreading out her hands as in resigna-
ton. fate which left Texas and Mex
leo not always one"
That may be- said Mr. Calhoun.
Perhaps fate, also, that those of kin
should cling together"
How can a mere woman know
My lady shrugged her very graceful
and beautiful shoulders-somewhat
mature shoulders now, but still beauti-
full.
Dear Sonora" said Mr.. Calhoun,
there are so many things woman
may not know. For instance, how
could she know If her husband should
perchance leave the legation to which
he was attached and pay visit to an
other nation?"
Again the slight iickering of her
eyes, but again her hands were out
spread in protest.
How indeed, senor?"
What if my young aide here, Mr..
Trist, should tell YOU that he has seen
your husband some hundreds of miles
away and in conference with lady
supposed to be somewhat friendly to-
wards"
"Ah, you mean that baroness"
So soon had the shaft gone home!
Her woman's jealousy had offered a
point Unexpectedly weak. Calhoun
bowed, without a smile upon his face.
Mr.. Pakenham, the British minister,
is disposed to be friendly to this same
lady. Your husband and a certain Of
ficer of the British navy called upon
this same lady last week in Montreal
informally. 1t is sometimes unfortunate
that plans are divulged. To me 1t
seemed only wise and fit that you
should not let any of these little per-
sOnal matters make for us greater COM
plications in these perilous times. l
think YOU understand me, perhaps, Sc
nora Yturrio?"
She gurgled low in her throat at this,
any sort of sound, meaning to remain
ambiguous. But Calhoun was merci-
less.
1T is not within dignity, Sonora, for
me to make trouble between lady and
her husband. But we must have friends
with US under our flag, or know that
they are not our friends. You are well
come in my house. Your husband Is
welcome in the house of our republic.
There are certain duties, even thus"
Only now and again she turned upon
searching him.
IF l should recall again. gently my
dear Sonora, the fact that your hus-
band was with that particular woman
if l should say that Mexico has been
found under the flag of England, while
supposed to be under our flag-if l
should add that one of the representa-
tives Of the Mexican legation had been
discovered in handing over to England
certain secrets of this country and OF
the republic of TeXas-why, then, what
answer, think you, Sonora. Mexico
would make to me?'
But Senor Calhoun does not mean
does not dare to say
Il do dare it; l do mean 1t! l can
tell you all that Mexico plans, and all
that Texas plans. All the secrets are
out: and since we know them, we pur-
pose immediate annexation of the re-
public of Texas. Though it means war,
Texas shall be ours! This mas been
forced upon us by the perfidy Of other
nations"
'Yor seek war. Senor Secretary! My
people say that your armies are in
Texas now, or will be"
They are but very slightly in ad-
vance Of the truth. Sonora said CAL
houn grimly. For me, l do not be-
Iieve in war when war can be averted.
But suppose it could be avcrted? Sup
pose the Sonora Yturrio herself could
avert it? Suppose the Sonora could
remain here still, in this city which she
so much admires? a lady of 50 distin-
guisncd beauty and charm is valuable
in our society here"
He bowed to her with stately grace.
If there was mockery i'm his tone. she
could not catch it: nor did her search
ing eyes read this meaning.
See" ne resumed. "alone, am help