Tombstone epitaph., 1915-05-23
gent woman. beso.s she had advanced

toward me, and pronounced my name with the most gratifying ardor.
 As for the poor colonel, he was sim ply struck dumb at perceiying that my acquaintance with the inner arrange ments of the Egyptian court was not less than his own. l enjoyed my tri- umph over him with trepidation, how ever. for l dreaded every moment lest Fatimeh should make some reference to the motive of my former visit
 The colonel maintained an obsti- nate silence as we came away togeth- CT Probably he accused me in his own mind of having deceived him, but he said nothing, and we parted on friend ly terms; though he did not renew his offer to become my cicerone in the Egyptian capital
 The next day l received this mes sage from Paris-of course in cipher: | "'Tell khedive We consider our first oHer represents the value of shares, but do not break of negotiation
 ITO compensate for this mOrtifica- tion. I found the khedive in yielding mood. l represented to him that the hundred millions was the utmost that | my syndicate felt justified in paying and after very few words he gave way, and definitely agreed to accept that amount
 Late in the afternoon, on returning to my hotel. found a telegram marked Urgent waiting for me in my room. It was from M Buffard himself, and contained these words:
 l British government has heard of intended purchase and objects. Re- turn to Paris at once. en route for | London
 | ''I knew in an instant to whom was to attribute this frightful blow. Wheth- CT it was the beautiful Fatimeh. or the khedive himself. who had betrayed me, it was evident that Colonel Warton had fathomed the secret of my mis- sion. and had instigated this interfer- ence of his government
 | On my arrival at the Quai D'Orsay, l six days later. M. Buffard explained the situation to me.
 What has happened he said. is this. Lord Derby. who holds the port I ., formed NJ. Gayard. our representative, that the queen's government under stand that the khedive has been asked 10 transfer his shares to 9 syndicate acting on behalf of the French gov | ernment, and it is to this that they l object. All that is necessary is to | convince them that the negotiation | proceeds from a priyae syndicate, en- tirely independent of us, in which case We may hope that their prohibition | will be withdrwn. You must proceed to London at once Do not trouble l yourself with Lord Derby, who is a | mere instrument. Go straight 10 NJ. l Disraeli. the premier: it is to him that We must address ourselves Explain to him on whose behalf you are act ing. and the affair may yet be ter minated satisfactorily
 Il could do nothing but obey. On the evening of the following day, the 25th of November. reached London. and as soon as l had changed my dress. drove straight to Downing | street
 | The English premier received me with an urbanity worthy of the Eau bourg St. Germain. and insisted on my lighting cigar and refreshing myself with brandy and seltzer, before he would permit me to say a word. | You must not think you are a stranger to me- he was good enough to say. I am not ignorant of the dis tinguished reputation you have earned among the European chancelleries.'
 Your sentiments do me too much honor, NJ. le Premier, I responded. I only regret that l am not in posi- tion to repeat them to the French | government
 But I authorize you to repeat them, I even request it. he exclaimed, l failing to understand me.
 Alas, that Is impossible I ex- plained. I am not here in any official capacity. and therefore I could not take it on myself to repeat expressions addressed to me as private individ- ual
 An expression of apparent bewil- derment passed over NJ. Disraeli's face, to be succeeded by one of cordial 1 lrleRcllneSS.
 Then you are not here on behalf of your government he cried out. This is visit which I owe to your personal regard for me, 1 insist that you shall allow me to refill your glass
 "'You distinguish me too much in consenting to place me on such foot ing I answered, slightly confused Tn effect. I have ventured to come here to ask of you a favor on behalf of a certain financial syndicate with which am associated, and which feel sure that you will not refuse
 "'You would do wrong to doubt it, l my dear baron,' he returned with undi- unfinished cordiality. Rest assured that if this favor is in my power it is ai- ready yours. But explain yourself
 "A thousand thanks NJ. le Premier. The affair is one of the simplest. The syndicate I refer to is composed of certain well-known capitalists. whose operations have received a check in consequence of a misapprehension ere atei in the mind of Lord Derby
 You astonish me-, M. Disraeli spoke in a tone Of surprise The next